Mental Floss

POP CULTURE

Amy Winehouse performs at Lollapalooza on August 5, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois.

Contemporary music has become a constantly expanding repository of classics whose origins sprung up from their most painful and profound experiences, the relationships that dominated portions of the artists’ lives, or just chance encounters that lodged in

Todd Gilchrist


Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in 1999's Notting Hill.

When it comes to the best romantic comedies of the 1990s, opinions differ widely. But if you’re from Washington, you might be partial to ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’

Ellen Gutoskey


Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder in Superman II (1980).

In 1979, the cast and crew of 'Superman: The Movie' gathered again to finish making the highly anticipated sequel, 'Superman II.' Behind the scenes, however, the set was boiling with tensions and one-near fist fight.

Matthew Jackson




Mariska Hargitay and Joe Biden in a 2016 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

'Law & Order: SVU' is known for its shocking twists, but in 2016 the show featured a surprise of a different variety: A cameo appearance from then-VP Joe Biden.

Rebecca OConnell








"So that's why I twitch in my sleep!"

While the COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force behind some of Mental Floss's most popular stories of 2020, the historical precedent of the 1918 pandemic was clearly of interest, too.

mentalfloss .com


Octavia E. Butler autographs a copy of Fledgling at a book signing.

Born in Pasadena, California, on June 22, 1947, science fiction author Octavia E. Butler was one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.

Kritika Agrawal




The Thatcher Estate // Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Some people remember former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as the quick-witted "Iron Lady" who resolutely lead the U.K. through the end of the Cold War. Others recall her as a heartless conservative hardliner who tore down labor unions while str

Nick Keppler


Jim Carrey in Kidding.

Elastic comedian-turned-actor Jim Carrey once had to defend himself in comedy clubs with broken beer bottles. He also had to endure the wrath of Tommy Lee Jones.

Jake Rossen