Mental Floss

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Leonard Cohen in London in June 1974.

In the 35 years since its release, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has been covered by more than 300 artists in a variety of genres and become a staple of TV singing shows. Not bad for a song that Cohen's own record label hated.

Kenneth Partridge
Warner Bros. Pictures/Getty Images

In 1997, an episode of the 'Pokémon' animated series used a strobe-light effect during a battle sequence. Hundreds of viewers in Japan suffered seizures and other symptoms. More than two decades later, no one is exactly sure why.

Jake Rossen








Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Evelyn Waugh was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, and his works are beloved by both literary critics and readers. But most people don’t know much Evelyn Waugh, the man. Here's what you need to know.

Sarah Philip








Photos.com/iStock via Getty Images

Queen Victoria was born fifth in line to the throne, which made her an unlikely ruler. But she ended up becoming the second longest-reigning British monarch.

Garin Pirnia
Mental Floss

Like parents and children often do, Theodore Roosevelt and his daughter Alice butted heads in part because they were so similar—both passionate, curious, strong-willed, and intelligent. Throughout her upbringing (tag-teamed by TR’s sister and his second w

Michele Debczak








Silk-stocking/iStock via Getty Images

The biggest baby-naming trend of the decade? Ignoring the most popular naming trends. While some names still retain popularity, parents are opting for more unusual names.

Hannah McDonald