Mental Floss

NEWS

Meet the real 'Cocaine Bear.'

In 1985, authorities in Georgia found the decomposing body of a black bear next to 40 ripped-open packages of cocaine. No substantial quantities of the drug remained. How it happened is a story for the ages.

Kristin Hunt






The media mogul born ‘Orpah’ Winfrey has made quite a name for herself over the years.

Since making her national TV debut with ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’ Oprah has become a global icon. Discover more fascinating facts about her life here.

Rudie Obias


Have these terms on hand the next time you toot.

Over the course of history, the human race has come up with many delightfully creative ways to describe the act of breaking wind.

Erin McCarthy


Duke Ellington with members of his orchestra in New York, 1946.

Time to press play on “Take the ‘A’ Train” and find out how Edward Ellington became the Duke.

Ellen Gutoskey






Zora Neale Hurston in a portrait by Carl Van Vechten.

Writer and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston’s literary legacy is a class apart. Here are some facts you might not have known about the author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

Sohel Sarkar


One more spin could land you in the slammer.

You go about your day trying to be a good citizen. Little did you know that your bingo game can't last more than five hours.

mentalfloss .com


Don't save this list for a dreich day.

English might be Scotland’s official language, but the country also has distinct dialects and regional nuances. And understanding Scottish slang? That’s a whole other ballgame.

Louise Slyth




One proud peacock.

With their massive tails and iridescent colors, peacocks have long fascinated their human observers—and we’re still learning their secrets.

Jessica Hullinger
Escapologist

As host Justin Dodd discusses in this episode of The History of Fun, magic has transformed from a little-respected sideshow to a multimillion-dollar industry.

Jon Mayer