For most of history, the North Pole was the stuff of legends and wild theories. Now people run a marathon there every April. Here are more unexpected facts about the top of the world.

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Owing to boredom, spite, or just plain artistic growth, some recording artists won't give audiences what they want.
Though it feels a little bit like choosing a favorite child, of the thousands of stories Mental Floss publishes in any year, our staffers are bound to have some particular favorites. Here are some of 2020's (Bay Boy included).
Between pandemic-prompted theater shutdowns and straight-to-VOD releases, 2020’s list of top box office movies is a strange one.
Some popular books—especially ones written by Barack and Michelle Obama—practically lived on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2020.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force behind some of Mental Floss's most popular stories of 2020, the historical precedent of the 1918 pandemic was clearly of interest, too.
Born in Pasadena, California, on June 22, 1947, science fiction author Octavia E. Butler was one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.
From high-waisted denim and ultra-wide legs to extreme cut-outs and double denim, jeans have seen their fair share of dubious trends (and outright fashion disasters). Here are nine (sometimes embarrassing) demin trends and where they came from.
"The city’s most borrowed books reflect the historic challenges that have impacted New Yorkers during 2020," the New York Public Library said in a press release.
Some people remember former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as the quick-witted "Iron Lady" who resolutely lead the U.K. through the end of the Cold War. Others recall her as a heartless conservative hardliner who tore down labor unions while str
It’s hard to compete with the Avengers, but you stand a good chance if your sequel features lightsabers or Pixar characters.
From giant parrots and penguins to really old poop and The Bone Wars to the difference between body fossils and trace fossils, here are a few fascinating facts about fossils.
In these 20 American cities, drivers get into accidents more frequently than the rest of the country's population.
Elastic comedian-turned-actor Jim Carrey once had to defend himself in comedy clubs with broken beer bottles. He also had to endure the wrath of Tommy Lee Jones.
John Travolta’s ‘Gotti’ (2018) ranked fourth—but it’s not the only John Travolta movie on the list.
Over the course of its nine seasons, 'Seinfeld' created plenty of memorable moments—many of which came from the iconic sitcom's holiday-themed episodes. Read on to discover the best of them (and have a happy Festivus)!
More than 50 years after its inception in 1966, Kwanzaa is still being observed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day by people around the world.
From Feeding America to Toys for Tots, here are five family-focused charities that could use your donations this holiday season.
Signs of Christmastime are different all over the world, as are Christmas traditions. But, no matter where you are or how you celebrate the holiday, one thing that is universal during the holiday season: Christmas music.
Treat your Golden Girl to some fun toys, mugs, and accessories based on the classic show about four women living together. Any 'Golden Girls' fan would love all the items on this gift guide this holiday season.
Jim Carrey’s Grinch face pretty much earned him the role. As it turned out, that was the easiest part.
These are the original Netflix television shows that viewers watched while stuck inside their homes this year.
There are few films in the world that are as endlessly rewatchable as 'Die Hard,' but why? We rounded up some experts, including a clinical psychologist, to help explain our endless fascination with John McClane.
The holiday season is best spent curled up on the couch with a warm cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, and a heartwarming movie. Here are some of the best choices on Netflix.