Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

Spot the spelling error on this coin.

From the Vatican’s “Lesus” medal to Beanie Babies to the Civil War coins that declare “shoot him on the spoot.”

Brings back memories.

Remember Chuck E. Cheese? He’s back with arcades aimed at grown-ups featuring classic games, collectibles, and throwback vibes.

Only a lucky few get to see a view this gorgeous.

If city lights block the stars over your backyard, this map can help you hunt down the darkest skies for epic stargazing.

Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Eurythmics all turned down Live Aid.

From pop royalty to prog-rock gods, here are the household names who decided against showing up to the July 13, 1985 event.

In the late 1740s, the theologian John Wesley published ‘Primitive Physick, or, An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases.’ Can you guess what treatments he recommended?

Intended for peening.

The tool name that’s long been the laughingstock of adolescents has a perfectly sensible explanation.

Personal injury attorneys help keep up a system of legal checks and balances.

Injured and need help? Here's why you actually want a billboard lawyer—and why you really, really don't want a big settlement.

Mowing your lawn requires a little know-how.

Got a brittle, brown, sad lawn? You’re probably making one of these common mowing mistakes.

We hope he checked the water quality.

Swimming in lakes (or any wild water) has its risks. When in doubt, check local advisories and trust your senses. And if the water looks or smells off, you might have better luck sticking to land.

There‘s no need to settle for freezer-burned ice cream.

Ice cream season is here—make sure yours stays creamy with these easy tricks.

Ken Jennings.

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

This one was near Southern Australia.

OCEARCH's map shows you what sharks are near (or more likely far from) you.

John Moore, Getty Images

In 2009, the world was captivated by a little boy seemingly trapped in a runaway aircraft. As a new Netflix documentary reveals, the truth was a lot stranger.

America‘s favorites are looking pretty fruity.

What‘s the scoop on America‘s favorite ice cream flavors du jour? Find out here.

Are your old Beanie Babies worth serious cash? Here's how to tell.

Beanie Babies like the purple Princess Diana bear are sometimes listed for $900,000 on eBay. But how much money are the nostalgic toys really worth?

It's more than just a decorative choice.

It’s not a coincidence that so many porch ceilings are often painted blue in the South, and the history of why is even more fascinating.

Most firework shows feature an array of different effects.

Many of the fireworks you’re familiar with also have pretty common names. When in doubt, assume a display is named for a flower or animal.

Yum!

Many brands have laid claim to the origin of Rocky Road, but a Kansan cookbook might disprove them all.

Mark Twain, pictured here alive.

Some people made jokes; one person established the Nobel Prize.

Can you guess which novels are most popular?

Want to know what your state is reading this summer? Check out this map of the top-searched books and discover your next page-turner.

Gas stations are everywhere.

Spot a surplus of pumps in one small area? You're seeing Hotelling's Law in action.

Summer travel doesn't have to be a logistical nightmare.

These travel hacks from TikTok can make everything from planning to packing for your next summer vacation trip a lot easier.

Can you figure it out?

This riddle dates back to 1959—can you figure out the answer?

This is probably root beer.

These beloved sodas may seem similar, but they aren’t one and the same.