Mental Floss

NEWS



Barbra Streisand.

It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international superstar, like, say, Barbra Streisand, the tantrum is going to draw even more attention.

Stacy Conradt


Halloween isn't the only time of year to celebrate these cute kitties.

Black cats do not bring bad luck, and they aren’t necessarily harder to adopt than other cats. Here are more facts about these adorably dark furballs.

Kaitlin Stainbrook












Sailors in the early days of exploration may have believed that manatees were mermaids.

Unicorns, mermaids, vampires, and leprechauns are some of the most widely known mythical creatures, but where did these legendary beings come from?

Erin McCarthy








The way some words are spelled is downright bizarre.

Ever wonder why there’s a ‘k’ in ‘knead,’ or a ‘d’ in ‘Wednesday’? While there isn’t always a good reason for why some English words are spelled the way they are, there are reasons.

Arika Okrent