NEWS

7 Ways to Cope When It’s Too Hot to Sleep

These proven tricks will help you beat the heat.

What Exactly Are Sand Fleas, Anyway?

Despite the name, some of these beachside pests aren’t even insects at all, though they could still hop up during your summer vacation in more ways than one.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #49

This riddle dates back to 1796—can you figure out the answer?

It looks like something has him on edge.

Why Is My Cat’s Tail All Puffed Up?

An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.

This view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is from the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Australia.

20 Greenest Cities Around the World, According to Locals

Time Out surveyed 18,500 people around the world to find the greenest cities—here’s who topped the list.

The Grossest Thing in Your Hotel Room Is Actually Hiding in Plain Sight

And it probably isn’t what you’re expecting.

Tiny Gecko Rediscovered on Galápagos Island Where It Was Feared Extinct

A rare gecko once thought to be lost is making a comeback in the Galápagos.

Some words you use pretty often actually came from the names of people.

5 Common Terms You Didn’t Know Were Named After People

In the latest episode of The List Show, we’re covering some eponyms you might not have realized were eponyms, from ‘mesmerize’ to ‘pants.’

Sorry to this little guy but feral swine are a huge problem.

Which Invasive Species Are Near You? Find Out With This Interactive Map

EDDMapS’s database has more than 9 million records of invasive species. See which ones hit close to home.

The 12-foot Skelly is still a Home Depot staple.

Home Depot Debuts App-Controlled Ultra Skelly, Kicking Off the Halloween Season

The home improvement chain knows what you need: a 15-foot scarecrow that talks.

7 Close Calls in the Nuclear Age

Sometimes the military systems put in place to avert nuclear annihilation worked a little too well.

11 of the Biggest Earthquakes in History

From a surprise temblor in the Mississippi Valley to colossal ruptures and tsunamis around the Pacific Ring of Fire, these are some of the biggest earthquakes in modern times.

Definition Detective Quiz #48

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

Does Drinking a Hot Drink Really Cool You Down?

It sounds like a myth, but hot drinks really can make you cooler.

The 10 Most Popular Rides at Walt Disney World, Ranked by Fans and Hashtags

Did your favorite ride make the list?

10 Most Dangerous States for Hikers

If you want a hike that will test your limits, maybe you should visit (or relocate to) one of these states.

Ken Jennings on His New Book of Kennections Quizzes, ‘Jeopardy!’, and His Favorite ’80s Wrestler

Mental Floss talks to Jennings about his new Kennections book, the wrong ‘Jeopardy!’ answer that haunts him, and what he’s reading now.

You can use any stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, etc.) for this recipe.

This Stone Fruit Galette Is a Celebration of Summer Produce

Get the full stone fruit galette recipe from the Institute of Culinary Education—complete with storage tips and baking secrets for flakiness.

Dorothy Thompson, Helen Gurley Brown, and Ida B. Wells.

11 Women Who Changed Journalism

From landmark reporters to modern media moguls, these women transformed journalism as we know it.

See if you can decipher this twisted tune.

Tune Twist Quiz #51

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

Malt vs. Milkshake: What’s the Difference?

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

You’re a few words away from being able to order a caipirinha with confidence.

14 Alcoholic Drink Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Here’s how to say everything from liquors like cachaça to brands like Moët.

You‘re looking at the biggest popcorn bucket made commercially available.

This $80 Galactus Popcorn Bucket Just Set a World Record

Marvel fans can now pre-order an LED-lit, Galactus-inspired popcorn bucket big enough to set a Guinness World Record.

Some words seem like they must come from the same source—but they don’t.

12 Surprising Word Pairs That Sound Related—But Aren’t

Think ‘human’ was created by slapping ‘hu-’ on ‘man’? Think again: ‘Man’ and ‘human’ aren’t related at all—and they’re just one example of words that seem like they must be linked, but turn out to have nothing in common once you dig into their etymology.