Mental Floss

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Why Are Weekends Two Days Long?

You can thank hangovers.

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What's the Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket?

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. And it's all in the shape of things.

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Why Are Cats Such Picky Eaters?

There's a good reason why Mr. Whiskers turns his nose at a change in his food.

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Does Tapping a Soda Can Really Prevent It From Fizzing Over?

The practice is meant to settle the fizz, but how does it work?

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How Does Someone Become a Superdelegate?

It’s an extremely powerful position, but how does one actually land the gig?

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What’s the Difference Between a 'Good Source Of' and an 'Excellent Source Of' on Food Labels?

They mean specific things. "Natural," however, is a different story.

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How Do Power Outlets On An Airplane Stay Grounded?

Being able to charge your laptop like you would at home is a perk, but how is the electrical socket grounded when you’re 35,000 feet above the Earth?

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Where Does the Expression ‘Crocodile Tears’ Come From?

The expression been used as a fable to teach sincere repentance, by Shakespeare to convey false grief, and, more recently, by media mocking tearful politicians or murder suspects.

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Why Do Birds Line Up On Telephone and Power Wires?

The avian high-wire act, explained.

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What's the Difference Between a Broadway and Off-Broadway Show?

It has to do with a few seats (and a couple million dollars).

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Why Does Salt Kill Slugs?

Tasty for us, deadly for them.

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What Are Library Late Fees Used For?

Libraries often benefit from the extra cash (if they're allowed to keep it).

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Why Are Carrots Orange?

Scientists have found the gene that gives the veggie its characteristic hue.

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How Did The Eagles' Greatest Hits Become the Best-Selling Album of the 20th Century?

How does a run-of-the-mill best-of collection sell more than 29 million copies?

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Why Do We Kiss With Our Eyes Closed?

It might be to focus on the subject at hand (or, well, at face).

When it Comes to Dating, Does Having a 'Wingman' Actually Help?

It works for birds.

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Should You Tip When Getting Takeout?

Does not sitting down equal no tip?

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Why Do We Put Stamps on the Upper-Right Corner?

And what happens if we apply them sideways?

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Where is Old Zealand?

Old Mexico is Mexico. Old York is York. But where is Old Zealand?

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Why Do Brood V Cicadas Spend 17 Years Underground?

Periodical cicadas have had scientists scratching their heads for centuries.

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Why Does Ice Make That Crackling Sound When You Pour Liquid Over It?

Glaciers do the same thing, but on a much larger scale.

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Is it Anxiety-Ridden or -Riddled?

Don't let this question leave you … with anxiety.

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Why Do Diamonds Cost So Much?

Two words: monopoly and propaganda.

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Why Do Giant Tortoises Live So Long?

Evolution, geography, and luck all may have contributed to the long lives of these gentle giants.