Some scholars believe Vermeer’s enigmatic subject was abstract, but a new investigation suggests she might’ve been a real model.

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If you’re a Star Wars ship aficionado, you’ll know the A-Wing is one of the most important parts of the Rebel fleet.
The Flowbee vacuum cleaner attachment became an infomercial sensation for promising to trim hair with the help of the household Hoover.
So, you’d like to write for Mental Floss? We've assembled a handful of helpful tips to help you craft the best pitch possible.
The Smartduvet’s merits far outweigh any visual similarities it may have to the titular antagonist of the 1977 horror film ‘Death Bed: The Bed That Eats.’
Scents on North Carolina State University's aroma wheel for sourdough include tropical fruit, red wine, and fart.
From an actual copy of the Declaration of Independence to jewelry, some people made millions off the items they bought for a mere dollars at yard sales.
In the first edition of "Throwback," our all-new YouTube series, we take a deep dive into the bizarre history of Sea-Monkeys and Harold von Braunhut, the man who created them—then funneled the millions he made into illegal activities.
If you’re struggling to describe the new coronavirus era we’re living in, well, you’re not alone. In fact, many new terms have been coined to help us talk about these unprecedented times.
Credit card companies are willing to work with card holders experiencing financial hardship, but there's some fine print you need to look out for.
If you've been separated from a loved one during quarantine, smell a comforting scent—like a sweater they've worn—to lift your mood and relieve stress.
In February 1978, writer Leigh Brackett delivered the first draft of 'The Empire Strikes Back.' It ended up being far from the classic we all know today.
No romantic movie subgenre is off-limits—the image includes romantic comedies, timeless classics, musicals, and more.
In late April, Venus is 20 times brighter than the brightest star in the night sky. Here's what you need to know about the phenomenon.
ALDI, the popular discount food chain, defies retail convention by muting speakers. Here's why music isn't part of their inventory.
We’re thrilled to be included in the best weird general website category, which is basically our greatest dream come true.
While sheltering in place, Kevin Smith—the cult favorite writer, director, and podcaster—has completed a sequel to 1995’s 'Mallrats.'
Even if you’re a self-proclaimed extrovert, the recent influx of video conference calls might be tiring you out.
Millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island in the 19th and 20th centuries, and you can use this online database to see if your relatives were among them.
The White House looks lovely against the lush green lawn, but that’s not why it was originally painted white.
How many spaces should we include after a period? Microsoft is now quietly telling us that the answer is one.
Now’s the perfect time to branch out from soups and stews to fresh bread, homemade wine, and DIY lip balm.