Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), NOAA

Nor’easters have earned their reputation for wreaking havoc on land. But what qualifies a storm as a nor’easter?

Ellen Gutoskey








Andy Hay, Unsplash

Bagels and bialys are often lumped together. They're both round, chewy, and are sold in shops around New York City. But these two staples of Jewish delicatessen cuisine differ in some major ways.

Michele Debczak


A cat that nuzzles your head is essentially saying you're part of the team. A subordinate, but still part of the team.

Cats seem to enjoy booping humans on their foreheads. Is it a sign of affection, or yet another sign of condescension?

Jake Rossen


She knows it's coming.

Just like fireworks and thunderstorms, vacuums are unexpectedly loud—but that’s not the only reason your dog hates them so much.

Ellen Gutoskey






Michael Kilcoyne, Unsplash

To many dog owners, whiskers are just another cute feature on their pup's face. But they're much more than that to the canines who sport them.

Michele Debczak




Marten Bjork, Unsplash

Sugar plums didn't originally contain plums, and their name once doubled as a not-so-sweet euphemism.

Michele Debczak


Pixabay, Pexels

Even if you're used to seeing your cat throw up, don't ignore it: It could be a sign of something serious.

Michele Debczak