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Curiosities & Culture

Mental Floss

Smart facts, history, language, and curious explanations.

The Strange Four-Way Election That Put Abraham Lincoln in the White House

Lincoln won in 1860 with less than 40 percent of the popular vote, yet his three opponents couldn’t have beaten him even if they’d joined forces.

Mental Floss · Nov 6 · Read original →

The Most—And Least—Common Birthdays Across America

September is the most popular month for birthdays in the country by far.

Mental Floss · Nov 6 · Read original →

20 Outdated Things Millennials Still Love

From flip phones to emo anthems, these nostalgic favorites never go out of style, even if millennials are busy adulting now.

Mental Floss · Nov 5 · Read original →

The Surprising Story Behind Simon & Garfunkel's First No. 1 Hit

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's first megahit, "The Sound of Silence," nearly didn't make a major impact at all.

Mental Floss · Nov 5 · Read original →

Why Neon Signs Were So Common on Route 66—and What They Mean Today

Neon was everywhere on Route 66 for one specific reason. Here's why neon was so popular on Route 66, America's so-called Mother Road, and reflections on why it's still beloved…

Mental Floss · Nov 5 · Read original →
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Why Is Guy Fawkes Associated With the Anonymous Mask?

Who was Guy Fawkes and how is he connected to the "hacktivist" group Anonymous?

The Most Popular Car the Year You Were Born

This was the vehicle people were driving all over America's roadways the year you came into the world.

The Letter From an 11-Year-Old Girl That Changed Abraham Lincoln’s Appearance

Grace Bedell gets the credit for the most famous beard in American history, but she wasn’t the first person to ask for it.

The Countries With the Highest Online Gambling Rates, Ranked

You might be surprised to learn how low the United States ranks on the list of countries with the highest online gambling rates.

The Best College Towns in America, Ranked

Discover the best college towns in America according to WalletHub’s new study. See which cities ranked #1 for student life, affordability, and career success.

The Real-Life Gilded Age Party That Changed New York Society Forever

The extravagant ball had a lasting effect. HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’ takes inspiration from the real-life event in its season 1 finale.

The Most Popular Baby Name in Every State in 2026, Mapped

Curious what parents in your state are naming their newborns? Check out BabyCenter’s map of the most popular baby names across America in 2026.