Mental Floss

ALL STORIES





A major thunderstorm is about to blow over this vineyard.

Meteorologists convey the chance of cloud cover or rain in percentages, but what those numbers mean in the real world isn’t always clear—so you’ll often hear terms like ‘scattered’ and ‘isolated’ to describe thunderstorms.

Dennis Mersereau












“Wake up, human!”

There are a few reason why your cat might be meowing late at night—we asked an expert how to stop the behavior.

Alexia Kontolemos




Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, and Bruce Springsteen.

You’ve hummed along to them in the car, belted them out in the shower, and performed them on karaoke night. But do you really know what the lyrics to even some of your favorite songs are talking about?

Jennifer M Wood, Ellen Gutoskey




Not everyone was originally onboard ‘Star Wars.’

George Lucas’s long-simmering space was described as both “puerile” and “the most beautiful movie serial ever made.”

Jennifer M Wood
Leo Tolstoy with grandchildren Leo and Sofia, 1909

Author Leo Tolstoy had a big family with his wife, Sophia. Now, you can get an inside glimpse at what a family reunion is like for his living descendants.

Sophie Penkrat

Take a look at the origins of Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration of the brown bears at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Reserve.

Michele Debczak