Mental Floss

WAR





Picasso's ‘Guernica.’

Though it’s now considered one of Pablo Picasso’s masterpieces, ‘Guernica’ didn’t have many fans when it debuted—one critic even called the artwork “one of the poorest things produced in the world.”

M. Arbeiter




Veterans Day honors those who served in the past and active military members.

The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War I, which occurred at the 11th hour of 11th day of the 11th month.

Michele Debczak








These cats went to sea and to space, and inspired artists, writers, and scientists.

Anyone with a cat will probably argue that their feline is the coolest—but there have been at least a few other candidates through the ages, from Able Seacat Simon to Abraham Lincoln’s kitties to the feline that inspired Nikola Tesla.

Kerry Wolfe




Sophisticated and fool-proof.

No, spies aren't all focused on national security. Yes, the CIA did deploy a mission called Operation Acoustic Kitty.

Justin Dodd