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Alex Trebek’s Final Jeopardy! Episodes to Air This Week
Beloved ‘Jeopardy’ host Alex Trebek passed away in November 2020, and his permanent successor has yet to be chosen.
POP CULTURE
Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2020
While the COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force behind some of Mental Floss's most popular stories of 2020, the historical precedent of the 1918 pandemic was clearly of interest, too.
7 Surprising Facts About Octavia Butler
Born in Pasadena, California, on June 22, 1947, science fiction author Octavia E. Butler was one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.
Jab Me Tender: How Elvis Presley Eased People's Minds About the Polio Vaccine
In 1956, the singer agreed to be photographed taking the vaccine in order to drum up public support.
10 Fascinating Facts About Margaret Thatcher
Some people remember former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as the quick-witted "Iron Lady" who resolutely lead the U.K. through the end of the Cold War. Others recall her as a heartless conservative hardliner who tore down labor unions while str
The 25 Highest-Grossing Movie Sequels of All Time
It’s hard to compete with the Avengers, but you stand a good chance if your sequel features lightsabers or Pixar characters.
Anne Carroll Moore: The New York Librarian Who Hated Goodnight Moon
Anne Carroll Moore was an influential librarian in the world of children's books. That was bad news for 'Goodnight Moon,' since she refused to recommend it.
What Does a Screensaver Actually Do?
Screensavers really used to save computer screens from getting damaged. Now, they serve other purposes.
8 Surprising Facts About Jim Carrey
Elastic comedian-turned-actor Jim Carrey once had to defend himself in comedy clubs with broken beer bottles. He also had to endure the wrath of Tommy Lee Jones.
You Can Get a Unicorn Hunting License From Michigan’s Lake Superior State College
Because the best way to find out if unicorns are real is to trek to the nearest forest and look for one yourself.
Missing: When Red M&Ms Disappeared for More Than a Decade
In 1976, red M&Ms were pulled from shelves. In 1987, they staged a comeback thanks to an enterprising college student.
The 25 Worst Movies of All Time, According to Rotten Tomatoes
John Travolta’s ‘Gotti’ (2018) ranked fourth—but it’s not the only John Travolta movie on the list.
The 10 Best Holiday-Themed Episodes of Seinfeld
Over the course of its nine seasons, 'Seinfeld' created plenty of memorable moments—many of which came from the iconic sitcom's holiday-themed episodes. Read on to discover the best of them (and have a happy Festivus)!
A Lost Shirley Jackson Story, 'Adventure on a Bad Night,' Is Being Published for the First Time
Shirley Jackson finished writing the story around 1944. It's been residing in a box at the Library of Congress since 1965.
5 Ways You Can Help Families in Need This Holiday Season
From Feeding America to Toys for Tots, here are five family-focused charities that could use your donations this holiday season.
7 Christmas Albums to Put on Repeat Right Now
Signs of Christmastime are different all over the world, as are Christmas traditions. But, no matter where you are or how you celebrate the holiday, one thing that is universal during the holiday season: Christmas music.
11 Great Gifts for Golden Girls Fans
Treat your Golden Girl to some fun toys, mugs, and accessories based on the classic show about four women living together. Any 'Golden Girls' fan would love all the items on this gift guide this holiday season.
20 Facts About Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carrey’s Grinch face pretty much earned him the role. As it turned out, that was the easiest part.
I Pity the Yule: Remembering A Christmas Dream, Mr. T and Emmanuel Lewis's Lost Holiday Special
'A Christmas Dream' aired in 1984 and sees Mr. T as a sidewalk Santa who teaches Emmanuel Lewis a little something about the kid's 'bad attitude.'
Hero Worship: An Investigation Into the World's Die Hard Obsession
There are few films in the world that are as endlessly rewatchable as 'Die Hard,' but why? We rounded up some experts, including a clinical psychologist, to help explain our endless fascination with John McClane.
The 15 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix This Holiday Season
The holiday season is best spent curled up on the couch with a warm cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, and a heartwarming movie. Here are some of the best choices on Netflix.
In Texas, Pancho Claus Is the One Coming to Town
The character of Pancho Claus, which originated in Texas in the 1970s, trades a zoot suit for a red jacket and a lowrider in place of a sleigh.
20 Facts About Dude, Where’s My Car?
There were many vital questions posed in 'Dude, Where's My Car?,' the 2000 stoner comedy that established Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott as two of their generation’s most lovable doofuses.
The American Dialect Society Needs Your Help Choosing 2020’s Word of the Year
It doesn’t have to be in the dictionary—in fact, it doesn’t even have to be a word. Phrases, slang, and even hashtags are all fair game.