LISTS

War is hell. Sometimes, it's only for about an hour, though.

6 of the Shortest Wars in History

Some wars can take centuries. Others can take, oh, about 45 minutes.

Tom Cruise, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Julia Roberts.

The 20 Movie Stars With the Biggest Box Office Appeal

The biggest movie stars of today are mostly the biggest movie stars of yesterday.

A Handy Guide to Barbie’s Friends and Family

Who is Midge? Why did Barbie’s little sister Kelly disappear? Is Nikki actually Christie’s little sister?

The Interesting Etymologies of 71 Everyday Words

Here’s (at least) one interesting way station each of these common words made on its journey to the present day, whether it’s an analysis of the Latin roots, a hypothesis about a proto-Indo-European origin, or a pivotal change in meaning.

There are around 2.5 million used, new, and rare books housed inside New York City's multiple Strand Bookstore locations.

The Best Bookstores in All 50 States

In honor of Independent Bookstore Day, we've picked the best bookshop in every state—plus a few others we loved. Did your favorite make the list?

The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair.

7 Facts About the Stone of Scone

The Stone of Scone—also called the Stone of Destiny—may look unassuming, but it’s had a long and colorful history, right up to the present day.

The 25 U.S. Cities Retirees Love Most

When it’s time to settle down, these cities offer a nice mix of low cost of living, warm weather, and all-night gambling.

Sometimes it’s better to think inside the box.

4 of the Best Cat Litters, According to Vets and Cat Experts

Get the scoop on the best cat litters to buy now according to experts, including clumping, non-clumping, and odor-controlling varieties.

Disney waved goodbye to these discontinued foods.

10 Discontinued Disney Parks Foods

While some foodie favorites like churros and Mickey ice cream bars have been staples for years, other beloved treats have been unceremoniously yanked from menus.

Never forget the last names of Henry VIII's wives or the order of the planets with these mnemonic sentences.

13 Mnemonic Sentences To Boost Your General Knowledge

“A Big Secret Conceals Her Past” will help you remember the names (and order) of Henry VIII's wives.

12 Wild Facts About ‘The Jerry Springer Show’

After 27 seasons, more than 4000 episodes, and endless fistfights, the guilty pleasure 'talk show' is calling it quits.

This beach is sending some mixed messages.

What 11 Beach Flags Mean (And What to Do When You See Them)

Maybe you know what to do when you see a yellow or red flag at the beach. But what about a purple one?

Admont Abbey Library in Admont, Austria is the largest monastic library in the world.

25 Amazing Facts About Libraries

Libraries are a reader’s best friend. In honor of National Library Week, here are 25 things you might not know about these hallowed halls of book worship.

The Crown Jewels include more than just crowns.

11 Facts About the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

Many of the precious pieces date back hundreds of years and are immersed in history—as well as controversy.

Photo illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock/Customdesigner (TV), iStock/D-Keine (crime scene)

14 Reasons We Love True Crime, According to the Experts

Everywhere you turn these days, it seems like there’s a new—and wildly successful—book, podcast, or show devoted to a crime. Which raises the question: Why are we so obsessed with true crime? Here’s what the experts have to say.

The choices were made with a healthy dose of humility.

4 Foods That Shaped Human History

Which food has done the most to shape human development? Like a lot of interesting questions, it’s kind of impossible to answer.

Someone better check on Abbi from "Broad City."

Bed Bath & Beyond Is Closing Its Doors Forever—Here’s What To Know

The retailer recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to liquidate its remaining stores. Here’s what Bed Bath & Beyond’s closing sales mean for coupons, returns, and more.

The 13 Most Challenged Library Books of 2022 Point to an Alarming Trend in Censorship

The American Library Association logged a record number of complaints in 2022.

Discover the kitchen essentials that chefs swear by.

18 Things Professional Chefs Say You Must Have in Your Kitchen

Taking stock of what’s in your kitchen? Here are the most essential cooking gadgets that professional chefs say you should have at home.

These book dedications are anything but nice.

7 Book Dedications that Basically Say “Screw You”

Not all authors’ dedications are nice. Some—like these—are just plain mean.

The Devil's Island lighthouse in the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

10 Deep Facts About the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes of North America span 750 miles from east to west and form the largest freshwater system on Earth. Here are 10 facts about the fab five.

12 Curious Facts About the Platypus

The first time scientists encountered a platypus specimen, they thought the animal was a hoax. Read on for a few more things you might not have known about this quirky creature.

DJ Khaled, Amal Clooney, and Rami Malek.

25 Arabic Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Loosen up your jaws, lift up those eyebrows, and throw a little phlegm behind it: These 25 common Arabic names are constantly mispronounced.

Clockwise from top left: Prince Frederick Louis of Wales, Edward the Black Prince, Edward VII, Edward VIII, George IV.

5 Other Princes of Wales Who Waited a Long Time to Reign

King Charles III spent 70 years as the heir apparent. But some other long-waiting Princes of Wales never even made it to the throne.

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