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The Quest for the North Pole: A Historical Timeline of Arctic Exploration

From Leif Eriksson’s chance continental landing to Ralph Plaisted’s trailblazing snowmobile adventure, here’s how Arctic exploration unfolded.

The ColdSnap will transform both your kitchen and your waistline.

ColdSnap Wants to Be the Keurig of Ice Cream for Your Countertop

The countertop ColdSnap can make soft-serve or regular ice cream from aluminum pods in under 90 seconds.

Game of Thrones’s Dire Wolves Existed—But a New Study Suggests They Weren’t Really Wolves

New research suggests that the real-life inspiration for Ghost from 'Game of Thrones' wasn’t a wolf species.

12 Unique Candies From Around the World You Can Buy Online

Looking for a flavor adventure? Want to diversify your tastes and satisfy your sweet tooth? Try some of these sweets and candies from all over the world.

What’s the Difference Between Bagels and Bialys?

Bagels and bialys are often lumped together. They're both round, chewy, and are sold in shops around New York City. But these two staples of Jewish delicatessen cuisine differ in some major ways.

Presidents Day 2021: A Handy Guide to What’s Open and What’s Closed?

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, so lots of government-run offices are closed. Retailers, on the other hand, are not.

Remembering Clara Peller, the Cranky Wendy's Spokesperson Who Asked, "Where's the Beef?"

In the 1980s, 83-year-old Clara Peller became a star after uttering her famous "Where's the beef?" line for Wendy's. But her decision to peddle spaghetti sauce ground that relationship to a halt.

The Lizzie Borden Ax Murder House Has Hit the Market

The house where Lizzie Borden's father and stepmother were discovered bludgeoned with an ax is in need of a new owner.

22 Polar Exploration Terms You Should Know

While listening to Mental Floss's new podcast, 'The Quest for the North Pole,' learn the definitions for these common polar terms.

Low Blow: How Can Martial Artists Get Hit in the Crotch Without Getting Hurt?

Ancient kung fu techniques seemingly allow experts to absorb groin strikes without flinching. Is it a trick, or are they just nuts?

Can You Spot the Pug Hiding in This Zoom Call?

It's time for your hours spent in video meetings to pay off. There's a pug sleeping in the background of this Zoom hidden-image brainteaser. How fast can you spot it?

Time to find out what the CIA has been keeping from us.

The CIA’s Entire Collection of Declassified UFO Documents Is Now Available to Download

The CIA has been investigating UFO news and sightings for decades, and you can now use their intel for your own research.

The Quest for the North Pole: 39 Key Players You Should Know

Here's a rundown of the most important and influential historical characters in the new podcast from Mental Floss, 'The Quest for the North Pole.'

Martin Luther King photographed in 1964.

How Martin Luther King Jr. Kept Star Trek Flying High

Civil rights activist and stealth Trekker Martin Luther King Jr. had an intense conversation with one of the show's main cast members in order to keep the series intact.

The Mental Floss Store Is Reopening Today!

The Mental Floss Store is reopening today. Head on over to discover deals on products like books, games, shirts, and more

Ben & Jerry’s Now Makes Ice Cream for Dogs, Featuring "Rosie’s Batch" and "Pontch’s Mix"

Ben & Jerry’s latest flavors include “Rosie’s Batch” and “Pontch’s Mix,” named after actual employees’ dogs.

Early Victorian Bathhouse Unearthed Beneath Manchester Parking Lot

Construction of a new park in Mayfield, Manchester, uncovered a bathhouse used by factory workers 150 years ago.

The U.S. Capitol Crypt in all its splendor.

The Empty Crypt Beneath the U.S. Capitol Rotunda

Beneath the ornate Capitol Rotunda is a drafty crypt with 40 Doric columns, a dozen statues, and zero human remains.

Area 51 Alert: U.S. Intelligence Agencies Have Been Given 180 Days to Disclose All UFO Information

A new omnibus spending bill includes a requirement for government agencies to disclose what they've learned about UFOs.

Curtis Hilbun, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 3.0

The Delightful Reason Dolly Parton Leaves Her Christmas Decorations Up Through Mid-January

Dolly Parton has made a tradition out of leaving her Christmas decorations up through at least January 19.

Rowland Scherman, Wikimedia Commons // CC0

What's Open and What's Closed on Martin Luther King Day 2021

From banks to National Parks, here's how businesses and institutions will be impacted by Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 18, 2021.

The Alfred Wegener Institute research ship Polarstern reached the North Pole on August 19, 2020, during the year-long MOSAiC expedition to study climate change in the Arctic.

11 Frosty Facts About the North Pole

For most of history, the North Pole was the stuff of legends and wild theories. Now people run a marathon there every April. Here are more unexpected facts about the top of the world.

There's no guarantee you'll get all of a performer's greatest hits at a concert.

11 Hit Songs Musicians Have Refused to Play

Owing to boredom, spite, or just plain artistic growth, some recording artists won't give audiences what they want.

America's Most Popular Pet Names of the Past 100 Years

From Tippy to Tigger, this is what Americans have named their cats and dogs in the last hundred years or so.

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