LISTS

The show is a launching pad for emerging businesses.

25 of the Most Successful Products from ‘Shark Tank’

ABC’s “Shark Tank” is a launching pad for entrepreneurs and their inventions. Check out 25 of the show’s most successful products, including Bombas socks, the Comfy, and more.

Scuba is just one of the words that's actually an acronym.

25 Words That Are Actually Acronyms

Here are the stories and meanings behind 25 words, names, and titles that you might not have realized actually stand for something.

On the set of 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope'

65 Facts About the ‘Star Wars’ Universe

Here are some fascinating facts about the ‘Star Wars’ universe—any one of which makes a perfect response the next time someone says “May the 4th be with you.”

8 TV Shows That Were Creatively Altered by a Writers Strike

Writers strikes have a major impact on TV and film production, as the most recent strike—which began on May 2, 2023—has made clear.

15 Things You Might Not Know About Michelangelo’s ‘David’

Few statues are as enduring and iconic as Michelangelo's 'David.' But while much of the world could sketch this majestic masterpiece from memory, few know the quirks and curiosities that went into its creation.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with these gripping reads.

25 Amazing Books by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors You Need to Read

For AAPI Heritage Month, check out these incredible books by Celeste Ng, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Helen Hoang, and others.

Amazon Pet Day is cause for celebration.

You Can Save Big on Top-Rated Pet Food, Toys, and More During Amazon Pet Day

During Amazon Pet Day 2023, you can get huge discounts on top-rated pet essentials, from Furbo dog cameras to litter boxes, toys, and more.

15 Enterprising Facts About George Takei

George Takei may be best known for his role as Mr. Sulu on ‘Star Trek.’ But there's far more to Takei than manning the helm of the USS ‘Enterprise.’

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.

PREV NEXT