Mental Floss

LISTS

Now you know how to sing the alphabet in a few other languages!

English isn’t the only alphabet, and not every alphabet will fit into “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Here are some other songs from around the world to help them learn their ABCs.

Arika Okrent
Yorkies know how to strut their stuff.

Yorkshire Terrier dogs—better known as Yorkies—have a lot of personality packed into their tiny bodies. Learn more about this energetic breed and its history.

Rebecca OConnell




Isamu Noguchi at the Noguchi Garden Museum in New York City.

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was one of the most influential designers and sculptors of the 20th century.

Jane Alexander


Singer and songwriter Mae Muller, performing on behalf of the United Kingdom, in rehearsal for the Eurovision Song contest 2023.

According to the Eurovision rules, no song can be over three minutes, and no live animals are allowed on stage—but just about anything else goes.

Meg Van Huygen


They make school days more exciting, that's for sure.

They often arrive at work unsure exactly who and what they’ll be teaching—but they have some tricks up their sleeves to get up to speed quickly.

Suzanne Raga
Charles Bukowski on "Apostrophes"  French Talk Show

The late, great American writer Henry Charles Bukowski, Jr. was once called the “human embodiment of a raised middle finger”—an analogy that Bukowski would probably have welcomed, or possibly even written about himself. Here's what you should know.

Ali Parr






Treat a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week.

National Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 kicks off on Monday, May 8—and here are 20 of the best teacher gifts that could be perfect for the educator in your life.

Rebecca OConnell, Smart Shopping Team










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

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

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

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.”

Sean Hutchinson, Jennifer M Wood