Mental Floss

POP CULTURE

James Mato (background); HarperCollins Publishers (cover)

Angie Thomas’s 2017 debut novel, 'The Hate U Give,' has held its place in our hearts (and on the New York Times Bestseller List) for half a decade now. Here's what you need to know.

Rachelle Saint-Louis


Jennifer Carpenter and Michael C. Hall return as Deb and Dexter Morgan in Showtime's Dexter: New Blood.

The revival of Showtime's hit series 'Dexter' sees serial killer Dexter Morgan in snowbound New York, estranged from his son, and sharpening his tools to confront a new adversary. Here's everything we know so far.

Ken Ossea, Jr.




We apologize in advance for getting "Macarena" stuck in your head.

Los del Río's “Macarena” became the second longest-running number one in Billboard history, shifted 14 million copies, and sparked a dance craze that spread everywhere from the Olympics to the Democratic National Convention.

Jon O'Brien




Janis Joplin in Columbus, Ohio in the summer of 1970.

Janis Joplin didn’t have a long or prolific career. The freewheeling Texas blues-rock howler recorded just four albums between 1967 and 1970. But in that short time, she left an indelible mark on rock ’n’ roll history.

Kenneth Partridge












Christian Petersen/Getty Images

With the 'Crash Bandicoot' series celebrating its 25th anniversary this September, we're looking back at some of the series's unused ideas and early marketing efforts.

Paul Cecchini


A 2018 Kidz Bop performance in New York City.

Unfortunately, there’s no official Kidz Bop version of “WAP.” But there’s no shortage of other comical covers to amuse yourself with.

Ellen Gutoskey
Curious George lives up to his reputation.

Beloved childrens' book character Curious George got himself into some real pickles, including knocking himself unconscious while high on ether.

Jake Rossen