NEWS

The Real History of the Folk Song ‘Kumbaya’

From a heartfelt spiritual, to a children’s campfire song, to a powerful protest anthem, to a derisive phrase, “Kumbaya” is certainly a bit of a musical chameleon.

It might not look like much, but this Neolithic door is as old as Stonehenge.

The Secrets of 8 Amazing Historic Doors

Historic doors can reveal a lot about their times—like the medieval trend of covering doors in (allegedly) human skin.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #6

This riddle dates back to the 17th century—can you figure it out?

Why Do Dogs Stick Their Heads Out of Car Windows—And Is it Safe?

Dogs love a good sensory experience. But letting them stick their head out of a moving car’s window is not a good idea. Here’s why.

6 Politicians Who Got Elected Despite Being Dead

Several politicians have won elections posthumously. And no, fraud was not to blame.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in 'Twilight' (2008).

11 Illuminating Facts About the Movie ‘Twilight’

It’s never a bad time to talk about the baseball scene in ‘Twilight.’

Porbeagle sharks can grow up to 12 feet long and can weigh around 500 pounds.

7-Foot Shark Likely Eaten By Great White in First Documented Attack of Its Kind

The new discovery could change the way scientists think about shark predation.

14 Commonly Confused Things

In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy breaks down some commonly confused pairs.

The Countries That Swear the Most, Mapped

It’s probably no #*$@ing surprise who came out on top—but some of the rankings might surprise you.

This recipe is a great way to upgrade spaghetti.

Make This Tomato Sauce Recipe a Staple in Your Home

Try this tomato sauce recipe from ICE if you’re bored of pre-packaged options.

Abraham Lincoln just after uttering his last words.

The Last Words and Final Moments of 39 U.S. Presidents

Some presidents’ last words have been profound (“This is the last of earth; I am content”) and others have been merely practical (“Help!”).

Definition Detective Quiz #4

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

There’s a reason they’re not rectangular.

Why Are Airplane Windows Round?

Believe it or not, the shape of airplane window is a matter of life and death.

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Oldest University in All 50 States

Seven of the eight Ivy League schools make the list.

Astronomically speaking, fall doesn’t start until late September.

What You Should Know About the 2024 Fall Equinox

The fall equinox lands on Sunday, September 22 this year. Here’s what you need to know about the first day of autumn.

Scientists can now better understand how supermassive black holes and stars interact.

See How Black Holes Shred Stars in This Groundbreaking Simulation

A scientific breakthrough in astrophysics demonstrates how stars and supermassive black holes interact.

Freddy Krueger (Robert England) has Kirsten (Tuesday Knight) in his clutches in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master.”

The Most Consistent Horror Franchises, According to Rotten Tomatoes

In these horror franchises, the follow-ups were just as good (or better) than the original.

Time for that beach blanket to hibernate.

Love Pumpkin Spice? You Could Get Paid to Taste Trader Joe’s Fall Items

Do you have what it takes to be a Pumpkin Spice Pundit?

21 Incredible Films Turning 50 in 2024 (And Where to Watch Them)

Whether you’re in the mood for a slasher movie or a kung-fu classic, discover the best movies to watch from 1974 on Tubi, Max, and other streaming platforms.

See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

Tune Twist Quiz #6

We ran the lyrics of a hit song through multiple languages, then translated them back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

Mushrooms vs. Toadstools: What’s the Difference?

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

Resurrectionists raiding a cemetery to provide a cadaver for dissection, 1887.

When Scotland Yard Took On Resurrectionists

In this excerpt from Simon Read’s book ‘Scotland Yard,’ detectives try to determine if the men who turned up at a medical college with a fresh corpse are body snatchers—or murderers.

These things are pretty weird when you think about them.

Positively Negative: 5 Surprising Ways We Say “No” Without Really Meaning It

From polite offers to emphatic exclamations, English speakers have cleverly twisted negative expressions to mean something rather different.

Showers are great for getting a fresh start to your day or winding down for the night.

Should You Shower at Morning or Night? Here’s What the Experts Say

The answer isn‘t as straightforward as you’d think.

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