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What 10 Classic Books Were Almost Called

Remember when your high school reading list included ‘Atticus,’ ‘Fiesta,’ and ‘The Last Man in Europe’? You will once you see what these books were renamed before they hit bookshelves.

A TSA agent examines a passenger for any remaining dignity.

You May Soon Be Able to Screen Yourself at Airports

New technology will soon allow travelers to pat themselves down at airport security checkpoints.

Some cars hold their value more than others.

The 25 Cars With the Best Resale Value

All cars lose value, but some models can lessen the trade-in pain.

Why Is the Space Needle Shaped Like That?

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle debuted at the 1962 World’s Fair—and was inspired by America's Space Race with the Soviet Union.

Your favorite toys from back in the day could help you rake in some serious dough.

6 of the Most Valuable Happy Meal Toys From McDonald’s

From the McFurby to Boo Buckets, some of the most iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal toys can also fetch a pretty penny these days.

Witness the Mesmerizing Process of Making Hard Candy

Lofty Pursuit's Wonka-inspired candies taste like corn, ham, and blueberry pie.

Tiny Chicken Learns To Walk By Wearing Boots | The Dodo

Nubz—a Tiny, Toeless Chicken—is Slaying the Internet With His Adorable Strut (and Shoes)

Nubz has stolen the collective heart of the internet with his zest for life—and strutting.

An Amish family gathers for a meal around their kitchen table.

8 Misconceptions About the Amish

You might not realize that the Amish sometimes drive in cars and operate power tools.

What did Scrooge mean when he said “Bah! Humbug!” anyway?

What Does “Bah, Humbug!” Actually Mean?

The meaning of ‘Bah, humbug!’ is a little more layered than what people normally attribute to Ebenezer Scrooge of ‘A Christmas Carol.’

December 25, 1066, was a big day for William the Conqueror.

25 Non-Christmas Things That Have Happened on December 25

Other momentous events have happened on December 25, like Washington crossing the Delaware and the birth of Jimmy Buffett.

There was something for every type of reader on MentalFloss.com in 2023.

Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2023

Once again, Mental Floss readers proved to be curious about all sorts of niche topics—and our editors and writers were happy to oblige their interests.

'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' (2023) did not have a sweet run at the box office.

Net Zero: The 10 Worst Movies of 2023, According to Rotten Tomatoes

You've never heard of most of these movies. There's good reason for that.

Whether it's tea or a great gift card, these gifts are in the bag.

10 of the Best Last-Minute Gifts That Will Make It in Time for Christmas

Discover 10 of the best last-minute gifts to give this holiday season, including MasterClass, Nuuly, Blue Apron, and more.

There's a hamper hidden among the presents—can you spot it?

Can You Find the Hamper Hidden Among the Presents?

The record for solving the puzzle is 30 seconds. Can you beat that time?

25 Things to Look for During the 24-Hour ‘A Christmas Story’ Marathon

You know Ralphie Parker’s plight by heart, but can you spot the many flubs in Bob Clark’s ‘A Christmas Story’?

How to Make Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls As Moist As Fresh-Baked Cinnabons

When it comes to hacks for canned cinnamon rolls, this one is as easy as it is effective.

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?

The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?

‘The Carol Singers,’ a 1927 print by D.M. Wheeler.

15 Vintage Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

These obscure Christmas songs from the early 20th century might become your new favorite carols.

OK Soda: The '90s Soft Drink for Gen X That Fell Flat

In 1994, Coca-Cola introduced a soda for the grunge era. It left a bitter taste.

George Washington’s Extra-Boozy Eggnog Recipe Will Knock You Sideways

George Washington's preferred eggnog recipe calls for four kinds of booze—and none of them in small quantities.

25 Fascinating Facts About American Girl Dolls

Everyone thought Pleasant Rowland’s idea was terrible. Thankfully, she didn’t listen. Now there’s a new American Girl movie in development, making it the perfect time to read up on what you might not have known about these beloved dolls.

It's Barbie's world—and there are plenty of themed gifts to go around.

10 Gifts for the Barbie Lover in Your Life

This holiday season, think pink with these incredible Barbie gifts for fans of the toy and Greta Gerwig's recent blockbuster.

You may want to think twice about sneaking a cookie.

Sugary Snacks and Drinks Could Be Making You Depressed

A recent study found a link between artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of depression.

Can You Bring Knitting Needles On a Plane?

Traveling with two sharp sticks can get a little tricky.

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