Mental Floss

LISTS

The Antikythera mechanism.

From seriously aged cheese to the world’s first analog computer, shipwrecks have produced some fascinating—and sometimes disgusting—artifacts.

Michele Debczak


Toilets have been privy to some important events over the years.

From Elvis's near-final resting place to the porta-johns that saved a pilot's life, these are the toilets that altered world events.

Ken Ossea, Jr.


Bianca Del Rio performing in Pasadena, California, in 2021.

‘Paris Is Burning’ and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ have helped bring drag queen colloquialisms to the fore. Here are 11 important ones.

Ellen Gutoskey








Nature's light show.

No summer evening is complete without watching fireflies. Here are some fun facts about lightning bugs—which are technically beetles, not bugs.

Bryan Dugan




Judy Garland

Judy Garland was one of the most iconic and recognizable movie stars of all time. She also (might have) helped kick off the gay rights movement.

Rebecca Pahle


A scene from 'The Bob's Burgers Movie' (2022).

Ever wonder why we’ve never seen Ginger? Or why Bob talks to his food? Just ask the show's most dedicated viewers, who have concocted these 10 fascinating fan theories.

Kristin Hunt


Interpol allows for global law enforcement connections.

What exactly is Interpol? What can it do? What are its limits? Can it really connect police forces from around the world? Here’s one clue: It’s not actually a law enforcement agency.

Jake Rossen


iStock // Lucy Quintanilla

If we listen across the globe, we’ll hear all sorts of gasping H's and gulping K's, so much so that it almost seems like there’s a universal word for hiccup. Except there are some surprising, er, hiccups along the way.

John Kelly


Prince

You might love his music, but there are probably a few things you don't know about the artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

Erica Palan