Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

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One of the most delicious parts of the bird was once banned from import to the Pacific Islands. We investigate.

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The tradition comes from Europe, and is thousands of years older than Thanksgiving.

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It’s a matter of language.

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Ed McMahon knew. Do you?

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A look at some of the theories behind feline "poo-phoria."

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Those names aren't arbitrary.

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Clothing retailers aren’t ripping you off.

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Short answer: It's what dogs do.

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The term outlasted the technology.

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The tradition dates back to World War I, though the tune is even older.

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English spelling is bizarre.

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A look inside the surprisingly logical motivations behind your cat ripping the ever-loving sh*t out of your sectional.

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The man behind the shoes you've worn forever.

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It's not necessarily because the two are mortal foes.

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Even 400 years after Shakespeare's death, scholars are still debating.

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Basically, you wind up pooping it out.

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Because it's amazing, that's why. (But also, you know, comfort.)

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A grand jury is considered the "sword and the shield" of the judicial system.

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What makes a crime a hate crime? Legally speaking, it's largely a question of the offender's motivation.