Mental Floss

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Dresden, Germany, becomes a holiday wonderland every year.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a European city that doesn’t host a Christmas market these days—here are some of the continent’s most enchanting.

A Thanksgiving turkey

Turkey prices are going up this year, and some states’ average prices are much higher than others.

A person brushing their teeth

You wouldn’t think twice about these everyday habits and activities, but they weren’t always the norm.

Veterans Day honors those who served in the past and active military members.

The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War I, which occurred at the 11th hour of 11th day of the 11th month.

Marilyn Monroe

Though widely shared on the internet and other places, these popular quotes weren’t actually spoken by who you might think they were.

You can pack all sorts of surprising things.

Your favorite pet goldfish won’t get flagged—and neither will your holiday leftovers.

Fallen leaves

There’s a reason why leaves smell a certain way once they’ve fallen off trees.

Old German Pastor Dog resting in a garden during autumn or...

A look at which states have some of the worst stressors on pet parents when traveling for Thanksgiving.

Rubber ducks

You aren’t imagining things; “ducking” is a real trend.

The of Apollo, circa the late 2nd century CE.

Many old statues from past civilizations have been disfigured in a remarkably similar way.

Railroads played a big part in the Gilded Age.

This particular time in history proved that all that glittered was certainly not gold.

A hand holds several new $100 USD

A recent study determines the most financially smart—and the least—states in the U.S. based on several data points.

Tom Hiddleston in Mike Flanagan’s ‘The Life of Chuck’

Did you know that these movies and shows are based on Stephen King’s works?

Winter scene with colorful lights in downtown Leavenworth

The holiday season is almost here, and that means you want to find somewhere that makes you feel in the spirit. Here are seven U.S. cities to feel like you're in a Hallmark movie.

An extra-illustrated copy of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' painted by Pinckney Marcius-Simons.

If you’re crafty and love learning, this all-but-forgotten old-timey hobby may be for you.

Beware the cassowary.

It may be tempting to channel your inner Disney princess and befriend (or at least, attempt to befriend) every animal you come across. But wildlife is always better left alone.

Jeezy x Eastside Golf Collection Unveiling

There are some rankings you don’t want to be at the top of. The list of most pest-infested cities is one of them.

A thought bubble of someone wondering what “fascism” means

Americans were interested in finding out definitions for words in political science, psychology, and science, among other topics.

Editing can make all the difference.

What a director chooses to cut can often be just as impactful as what they choose to keep.

Carla Gugino in Mike Flanagan’s ‘Gerald’s Game’

The acclaimed author’s works have been adapted plenty of times, but how well do you know them?

Happy reading!

Stop doom scrolling and fill your brain with these fascinating—and utterly random—facts instead.

Bono of U2, performing in 1983

These songs are not only enjoyable to listen to, but can also teach us about important events in history.

Guillermo del Toro at the ‘Frankenstein’ Mexico City premiere

The award-winning filmmaker’s love of all things monstrous caused an incident of religious horror in his own life.

Dick Van Dyke.

The legendary actor has quite a bit of wisdom to offer.