Mental Floss

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A 15th-century queen might have something to do with it. Plus, why the heck vampires have them.

Ken Jennings.

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

Fallout shelters experienced explosive growth the early 1960s.

Fears of nuclear war led to a fleeting craze for fallout shelters stocked with crackers, body bags, and guns.

Don’t worry, this plane won’t actually hit any of the beachgoers.

Terrified of flying? You may want to avoid these airports.

Animal Crossing in LEGO! 42 Acre Isle

This “Animal Crossing” player’s “42-acre” LEGO island is a miniature masterpiece.

There‘s a logical reason why ground beef often looks like this.

Brown hues aren‘t always signs of spoilage.

(L-R) Javier Bardem, Meryl Streep, and Jared Leto: not fans of their own movies.

Seeing yourself projected on a 40-foot-tall screen can be kind of awkward, even if you’re a celebrity. At least that’s the case for these 15 actors, all of whom prefer to stay far, far away from their own work.

Esmeralda and Phoebus in 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1996).

This quiz features characters from ‘The Aristocats,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and more beloved Disney movies.

Houses can have a lot of architectural quirks.

These little spaces often spark curiosity and nostalgia, though few people know their history.

Dial-up had a good run.

A nostalgic chapter in early internet history ends this year.

Roasting your veggies is a great way to boost their flavor.

We asked a chef for some expert advice on how to make the best roasted vegetables.

Oranges and other fruits can leave you itchy, but there's a simple explanation.

If eating fresh fruit makes your mouth tingle, you might have this little-known (but very treatable) condition.

Where does your state fall in the lineup?

See all 50 states in order from oldest to newest—and test your knowledge with a quiz.

Here‘s what you should know.

Colorado residents are spotting rabbits with bizarre horn-like growths.

So close to perfection.

Though the gray band is safe to eat, it’s not particularly appetizing.

American servicemen and women in Paris celebrate on V-J Day, marking the end of World War II.

Savage battles, atomic bombs, and shark attacks were just some of the events leading up to the end of World War II in August 1945. Here's a look back on its 80th anniversary.

Can you figure it out?

This riddle dates back to 1875—can you figure out the answer?

Some of the more recognizable faces of 1985.

Two Michaels, Madonna, and a murderer kept themselves in the headlines throughout '85.

They’re not exactly cute and cuddly.

Learn how to make an easy stink bug trap with common household items.

Waterfall and bridge at Watkins Glen State Park, New York.

These stunning U.S. state parks garnered the most attention—and map searches.

Which chips are on online shoppers‘ minds?

Find out which chips people are snacking on across the country.

Take a good look.

What causes slimy meats, whether they’re still safe to eat, and how to tell when they're not.

Hello, beautiful.

This giant moth rivals any butterfly with its beauty and grandeur.

Grab your magnifying glass.

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