Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

Are there hidden costs attached to those big prizes? Turns out, all winners on "The Price is Right" are expected to pay up before taking possession of their prizes.

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There are many different types of lined notebook paper. To help tell them apart, you might have to break out a ruler.

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You can thank hangovers.

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

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

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

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

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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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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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The avian high-wire act, explained.

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

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Tasty for us, deadly for them.

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

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

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

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

It works for birds.

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Does not sitting down equal no tip?

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And what happens if we apply them sideways?

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

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Periodical cicadas have had scientists scratching their heads for centuries.

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

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