MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell Funny?

Not everyone experiences funny-smelling urine after eating asparagus, but it's common enough that it poses one very big question: why does it happen in the first place?

Your Dresser Is a Serious Tipping Hazard—Here’s How to Fix It

Furniture tip-overs are no laughing matter, but that’s especially true when it comes to dressers. Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep these clothing storage units secured.

That gas stove may not be all it's cracked up to be.

Should You Replace Your Gas Stove With an Electric One? Here’s What Chefs and Scientists Say

The debate over gas vs. electric stoves is hotter than ever. But according to some professional chefs and scientists, there’s a clear frontrunner.

How to Find Out If You’re Registered to Vote

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name (or just haven’t voted in a while), you probably need to re-register to vote.

Peter’s poor wife did not have a good time.

The History—and Surprisingly Dark Theories—Behind ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’

‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ may not be the most kid-friendly nursery rhyme, as several interpretations of it involve murder.

Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but not quite rust-proof.

What Stops Stainless Steel From Rusting?

Stainless steel has a secret ingredient that makes it highly resistant to rust.

These days, we use ‘GOP’ to refer to Republicans—but that wasn’t always the case.

What Does ‘GOP’ Stand For?

What ‘GOP’ means isn’t complicated—but its history is.

He wants you to learn about the symbol’s history.

Who Was Uncle Sam, and Why Did He ‘Want’ You?

Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. And legend says he was based off a real person—though that may not actually be the case.

That little pocket was originally intended to hold something else.

The Forgotten Uses of 9 Everyday Objects

The tiny little pocket on your jeans, the hole in your pot handle, and the drawer under your oven were designed with specific purposes in mind.

Why 7 Animals Became Associated With Halloween

Black cats, bats, and spiders commonly appear in people’s Halloween decorations. Here’s why.

Why Do We Laugh When We’re Scared?

Laughter is a surprisingly common reaction to being scared out of your mind.

All this sugar would have horrified the inventor of graham crackers.

Graham Crackers Were Invented to Combat the Evils of Coffee, Alcohol, and Masturbation

Social media users regularly joke about the origins of the simple graham cracker as a way to curtail sexual impulses. And while it might sound bizarre, this is one viral trend that is based in truth.

It’s kind of weird that ‘ghost’ is spelled with a ‘gh.’

Why are ‘Ghost,’ ‘Ghastly,’ and ‘Ghoul’ Spelled with ‘gh’?

Only a handful of English words start with ‘gh’—what gives?

Why Is September the Most Popular Birthday Month in the U.S.? People Have Theories

What September lacks in major holidays, it more than makes up for in birthday parties—here’s why that could be.

The Real History of the Folk Song ‘Kumbaya’

From a heartfelt spiritual, to a children’s campfire song, to a powerful protest anthem, to a derisive phrase, “Kumbaya” is certainly a bit of a musical chameleon.

Why Do Dogs Stick Their Heads Out of Car Windows—And Is it Safe?

Dogs love a good sensory experience. But letting them stick their head out of a moving car’s window is not a good idea. Here’s why.

14 Commonly Confused Things

In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy breaks down some commonly confused pairs.

Astronomically speaking, fall doesn’t start until late September.

What You Should Know About the 2024 Fall Equinox

The fall equinox lands on Sunday, September 22 this year. Here’s what you need to know about the first day of autumn.

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

Mushrooms vs. Toadstools: What’s the Difference?

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

Showers are great for getting a fresh start to your day or winding down for the night.

Should You Shower at Morning or Night? Here’s What the Experts Say

The answer isn‘t as straightforward as you’d think.

Why Is It Called a “Phillips Head” Screwdriver?

Believe it or not, nobody named Phillips actually invented it.

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but it’s not a magic bullet.

Should You Use a Lemon to Clean Your Dishwasher?

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but will it really get your dishwasher clean?

The teddy bear has a very specific origin story.

How Did the Teddy Bear Get Its Name?

The origins of the teddy bear involve President Theodore Roosevelt, a bear hunt, a political cartoon, and the owner of a candy shop in New York.

Alexis Bledel (left) and Lauren Graham as Rory and Lorelai Gilmore.

Smells Like Stars Hollow: How Much of ‘Gilmore Girls’ Is Set in the Fall?

‘Gilmore Girls’ is often viewed as a fall show. So we counted how many episodes take place during each season—and autumn didn’t come out on top.

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