Mental Floss

ALL STORIES



Now that spring is upon us, incorporate these seasonal words into your vocabulary.

The days are getting longer and warmer, and that means it’s the perfect time to pull these fun spring words out of hibernation.

Paul Anthony Jones






Despite what you might have heard (or seen on the big screen), famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart probably wasn’t poisoned by Antonio Salieri—but he did spend time with a young Marie Antoinette and keep a starling as a pet.

Ailsa Ross










These facts about St. Patrick's Day might surprise you.

St. Patrick’s Day used to be a dry holiday in Ireland—and its signature color used to be blue. Read on for more surprising St. Patrick’s facts.

mentalfloss .com


A great white shark.

As the thinking goes, sharks don’t get cancer, so the pills will keep you from getting it, too. But there’s a problem with that theory.

Matt Soniak




Raccoons are smart, dextrous, and in your garbage cans.

Whether they’re scaling skyscrapers or digging through your trash, raccoons are fascinating. Discover more about their habits, diet, and intelligence.

Michele Debczak
Sometimes you just need the eggs.

Where did the idea for a rabbit that gives away eggs really come from? Trace the origins of the Easter bunny, from pagan festivals to the influence of 18th century German immigrants in America.

Matt Soniak
Nobody puts Nomi in a corner.

“Showgirls” was one of the biggest box-office bombs of the 1990s, but this 1995 erotic drama about an exotic dancer turned Vegas showgirl has since become the stuff of midnight movie gold.

Garin Pirnia