Mental Floss

ALL STORIES

Cat was mistakenly left on a plane and made three trips

A family‘s pet cat was mistakenly left on a flight, leading to a cross-country journey from Melbourne to New Zealand and back.

Nobody likes to get zapped when they're bundled up.

Discover what causes static electricity on clothes, along with how to keep it from becoming a recurring problem this season.

TikTok is driving another eBay frenzy.

Those with TikTok withdrawal can get their fix. For a price.

An OG VHS of this flick still commands top dollar.

Some of your favorite old Disney movies from the ’90s are worth a lot these days, especially if there’s a black diamond logo on the spine of the VHS clamshell case.

These important heritage sites are at risk.

From lighthouses to terracotta sculptures to out-of-this-world spots, these important heritage sites are at risk due to things like degradation and climate change.

It's not just the product of some bizarre kitchen sorcery.

Why do plastic containers stay wet, even after they’ve gone through the dishwasher? Turns out, science is to blame.

Did you next trip make the list?

See if your next flight made the list.

The dogs who pulled off the Nome Serum run might have looked a little bit like this.

From January 27, 1925 until February 2, 20 mushers and 150 dogs heroically transported desperately needed diphtheria antitoxin to the remote town of Nome, Alaska, saving countless lives in the process. But the event wasn’t without controversy.

Here‘s how to get the most out of your hand warmers during this frosty season.

Tired of wasting hand warmers after a single use? Learn how to stretch them as long as possible.

A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!

Often called one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the Panama Canal splits the continents of North and South America and launched a new era in global commerce when it opened in 1914.

The corpse flower‘s name comes from its nasty smell.

Catch the blooming of Sydney‘s corpse flower without being exposed to its infamous odor.

See which cities in the U.S. offer the most romantic proposal experiences.

If you’re planning a proposal in the near future, these cities offer scenic spots for unforgettable moments.

Dogs make great truffle hunting helpers.

The two new truffle species hadn’t been formally identified by scientists before the canines discovered them.

Head to Dubai some booze-free time at the beach.

No desire to drink alcohol on your next vacation? No problem.

Can you figure it out?

This riddle dates back to 1915—can you figure out the answer?

A fantastic blep.

We asked an expert to help us investigate the adorable causes of the tongue-lolling phenomenon.

This is the best time for Costco fanatics.

If you were already planning to eat Costco snacks during the big game, now you can get paid for your trouble.

Black ice causes very dangerous conditions.

Black ice on the road is a recipe for disaster. Here’s what it is, how it forms, and where it’s often hiding in plain sight.

This is good news for Thin Mint fans.

Rumors about a Wendy‘s Thin Mint Frosty are swirling. Here‘s what we know so far.

Bon appétit!

Don’t believe everything your parents taught you about navigating the kitchen.

Cursive is becoming a lost art.

The agency needs help deciphering the flowing penmanship of the past.

Because no one wants a messy kitchen.

A simple trick will keep your counters splatter-free.

The names make a lot of sense.

Each month’s full moon marks the changing seasons.

Grab your magnifying glass.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?