Kerry Wolfe
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Articles by Kerry Wolfe
The Ultimate Christmas Trivia Roundup
Get ready to feel like the smartest person at the holiday party. The holiday season is prime time to gather with family and friends and bust out your favorite pieces of trivia. If you’re looking to wow a crowd with fun, obscure facts and tidbits about all things Christmas, we have you covered—and we’ve also sprinkled in a handful of holiday quizzes so you can test your knowledge, too. Christmas Movie Trivia Christmas Music Trivia 30 Fascinating Facts About Christmas Christmas Movie Trivia 1.
13 Fascinating Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Learn About in History Class
The past is full of interesting people who have flown under the radar for too long. History books are filled with the same familiar faces. But for every famous leader or inventor you’ll read about over and over again, there are countless other people from the past who tend to fly under the radar.
13 Fascinating Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Learn About in History Class
3 hours ago Celebrity Traitors player and actress Ruth Codd has said she is recovering after a second leg amputation operation. The Irish performer posted on TikTok, saying she is staying with family after surgery to remove her leg below the knee. Codd had her first amputation aged 23, after injuring her foot …
7 Classic Christmas Commercials Guaranteed to Fuel Your Holiday Nostalgia
No cable Christmas movie marathon would be complete without Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” commercial. The holiday season, like the Super Bowl, is one of the few times where people actually look forward to seeing which commercials will interrupt theirfavorite shows. In addition to premiering fresh content each year, companies lean into holiday nostalgia by using the same cozy commercials over and over again.
9 Myths and Misconceptions About Menstruation, Debunked
There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about menstruation. But it’s important to parse out what’s true and what’s a lie. Below, we debunk some of the biggest ones, as adapted from the above episode of Misconceptions on YouTube. Misconception: Menstruating is dirty. Misconception: Menstrual blood attracts sharks and bears. Misconception: You can’t swim or workout while menstruating. Misconception: It’s impossible to get pregnant while menstruating.
12 Protests That Changed the World
Protests are one of the most popular ways to express disapproval and effect change, and people continue to take to the streets today. In this list—adapted from an episode of The List Show on YouTube—we cover world-altering protests from across history, from the Battle of Cable Street to the more recent Jasmine Revolution to the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt.
20 Surprising (and Horrifying) Facts About Pregnancy
The act of bringing another person into the world comes with a whole host of things you might not have anticipated, from a phenomenon called “lightning crotch” and disappearing belly buttons to unexpected excrement and so much more. Read on for surprising, fascinating, and occasionally horrifying facts about pregnancy. 1. People can experience “lightning crotch” during pregnancy ... People who are pregnant have to deal with a lot of aches and pains, from sore backs to contractions.
22 Animals You Seriously Don’t Want to Mess With
It may be tempting to channel your inner Disney princess and befriend (or at least, attempt to befriend) every animal you come across. But wildlife is always better left alone. In this list, adapted from an episode of The List Show on YouTube, we cover 22 creatures whose personal space you should really respect. And remember: while these animals are all pretty intense, don’t forget that most animals, including a lot of the ones listed here, don’t actually wantto hurt you.
Why Do Motorcyclists Wear Leather?
If someone asked you to think of a person on a motorcycle, you’d probably picture a stereotypical image: a helmet, sunglasses, and of course, a leather jacket. This look is iconic—and has been for decades. But there’s a lot more to the leather than just looking cool (though that’s definitely a perk). The Original Safety Gear Function Meets Fashion The Original Safety Gear Leather used to be the OG of motorcycle safety gear.
28 Bizarre Facts About Animals That Will Make You Go “WTF?”
You’ll never look at these creatures the same way again. Even this snowy owl is totally surprised by some of these facts. | chuchart duangdaw/Moment/Getty Images Acrobatic pee-ers. Projectile poopers. A parasite that takes the place of a tongue. Insects that love to eat sweat ... and others that are attracted to stinky feet. Read on for some wild facts about animals that are sure to make you go “WTF?” Penguins shoot poop bombs. Pandas can handstand while peeing. Female platypuses “sweat” milk.
13 Fascinating Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Learn About in History Class
From a pirate queen to a groundbreaking stunt pilot to the guy who gave us kitty litter, we’re covering a whole bunch of overlooked historical figures in the latest episode of The List Show. If you were an English sailor in the 1500s, you did not want to encounter Grace O’Malley. The Irish “Pirate Queen” was a force to be reckoned with.
Our 15 Most Popular Stories of 2024
You guys really, really like maps. Mental Floss has always been a home for curious content, and we published all sorts of weird and wonderful stories this year, from the strange creatures prowling the pages of medieval bestiaries to the history of Uncrustables. We also honored some big anniversaries, including the 100th anniversary of George Mallory’s final climb up Mount Everest and the 50th anniversary of the hominin fossil Lucy’s discovery.
8 Fascinating But Not-So-Jolly Legends About St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas may have inspired Santa Claus, but the two figures were remarkably different. By Saba Khonsari Blanding|21 seconds ago It is hard to imagine the cheery, plump version of Santa Claus emerged from Saint Nicholas, the 4th century Bishop of Myra who, as a nursing infant, fasted on holy days and whose bones were stolen after his death. Instead of a “right jolly old elf,” St. Nicholas is the patron saint of everything from brewers to pawnbrokers to murderers.
The Ultimate Christmas Trivia List
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The Ultimate Christmas Trivia List
Get ready to feel like the smartest person at the holiday party. By Kerry Wolfe|Dec 1, 2024 The holiday season is prime time to gather with family and friends and bust out your favorite pieces of trivia. If you’re looking to wow a crowd with fun, obscure facts and tidbits about all things Christmas, we have you covered—and we’ve also sprinkled in a handful of holiday quizzes so you can test your knowledge, too.
9 People Who Shaped Christmas
Christmas as we know it would not exist without them. By Jane Alexander|Nov 26, 2024 Christmas celebrations may vary by household, but a lot of holiday festivities share a number of common traditions. Some rituals have been around for a long time, while others are surprisingly newer developments. But all traditions, regardless of their age, started somewhere—or in this case, with someone. Here are nine people who, in a variety of different ways, influenced how we celebrate Christmas.
The 15 States That Produce the Most Christmas Trees
When it comes to Christmas tree production, Oregon reigns supreme. By Meredith Danko|Nov 23, 2024 If you went out and bought the viral Home Depot Christmas tree this year, you’re one of the 77 percent of Americans who opt for an artificial tree over a live one. But still, this holiday season will see millions of Americans heading to a farm or parking lot (or perhaps even a national forest!), picking out a real live tree, driving it home, and proudly displaying it.
How Many Continents Are There?
The answer is, unfortunately, not particularly clear. You might think that this is a simple enough question. There are seven continents, right? After all, this is what’s taught in the American public school system. Students in the United States learn early on that Earth’s seven continents include: Asia Africa Europe North America South America Australia (Oceania) Antarctica But this isn’t a worldwide consensus. The number of continents, it seems, depends on who you ask.
Why Do Cats Hate Closed Doors?
The 55-inch award-winning Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV reaches its lowest ever price If you're in the market for a new OLED TV, ahead of Black Friday, there's one particular deal you don't want to miss out on. Specifically, this …
Why Is My Cat Chewing on My Hair?
Cats have several strange ways of showing affection. Every cat has a completely unique personality, but somehow, they all have one thing in common: bizarre behavior. Any cat owner knows that their feline has a few distinct habits that make them so lovable. They may lick plastic, lounge around in your sink, follow you into the bathroom, or knock over every item on your mantle. They may even have a strange knack for gnawing on your hair.
Should You Remove Your Dog’s Collar When at Home?
There are several important factors to take into consideration. You’ve arrived back home from your daily walk with your pup. Now, should you leave their collar on or take it off? The answer depends on a few different factors—but it’s important to be well-informed to best make your choice. Should dogs always wear a collar? “If I’m at home and my dog is supervised, then the collar could be on,” Emma Murdock, professional dog trainer at Walk With Me Dog Training in Ottawa, Ontario, tells Mental Floss.
Should You Remove Your Dog’s Collar When at Home?
74 “Not Common Facts” You Might Not Know, Shared By This IG Page (New Pics) It is said that truth is stranger than fiction and if you’ve ever read some truly unbelievable facts, you might understand why. There's just some …
Can You Really Get Your Tongue Stuck to a Metal Pole?
Do not lick any cold metal objects, no matter who triple dog dares you. By Meredith Danko|Nov 7, 2024 It’s a scene that will play on countless televisions this holiday season. Nine-year-olds Ralphie, Schwartz, and Flick are gathered outside school on a cold winter day. Flick cries out, “Are you kidding? Stick my tongue to that stupid pole? That’s dumb!” Schwartz responds, “That's ‘cause you know it’ll stick!” Eventually, Schwartz wields the triple dog dare.
8 Places the Romans Failed to Conquer
5 hours ago Historian Jon Meacham joins TODAY to unpack what he describes as “The Age of Trump” that is ensuing with Trump’s election win. With messages of caution for both Democrats and Republicans, Meacham says that election night was a moment when Americans did exactly what democracy was designed to do. …
7 Historical ‘Wars on Christmas’
Christmas has been canceled a fair number of times throughout history. By Lorna Wallace|Nov 4, 2024 Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch are both so well known for waging wars on Christmas that their names have become synonymous with a lack of festive spirit. But extreme feelings of “bah, humbug” don’t just exist in fiction, with real life wars on Christmas sometimes stretching for decades and even centuries. Here are seven times throughout history that holiday cheer was under attack.
The Surprising History Behind 5 Popular Halloween Costumes Original
The origins of these classic costumes are probably not what you would expect. What would a witch costume be without a pointy hat? Why do pirates wear so many accessories that would be impractical on the Seven Seas? And how did it come to be that throwing on a bedsheet was all you needed for a ghost costume? The outfits we wear for Halloween have a story to tell—one often far removed from the historical reality they’re said to represent.
Why Do Cats ‘Chatter’ and ‘Chirp’ at Birds?
50 Photos Of Animals Having A Worse Day Than You There are days when it feels like the world is going against you. You’re late for work, and the keys have just fallen into the drain hole. But …
6 Supposedly Haunted Libraries
The ghosts stories in these libraries aren’t limited to just the books on their shelves. Libraries are usually quiet, secluded spots. But not all are as peaceful as they may seem. These six supposedly haunted libraries are said to see more than just readers and scholars perusing their stacks of books.
How Schmaltzy Hallmark Christmas Movies Came to Rule the Holiday Season
’Tis the season to watch something cheesy. By Anne Taylor|Sep 23, 2024 When you picture the holiday season, you probably envision snowy streets, twinkling lights, and, of course, a cheesy rom-com.
Who Was Uncle Sam, and Why Did He ‘Want’ You?
Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. Uncle Sam—clad in red, white, and blue and rocking a goatee and top hat—has represented the United States government for more than a century. But who is this stern, finger-pointing man, and how did he become such a popular American symbol? Was Uncle Sam a real person? Uncle Sam was based on a real person—at least, according to the government-sanctioned version of the symbol’s history.
Why 7 Animals Became Associated With Halloween
These beasts aren’t actually that scary. Halloween is packed with spooky charm—it’s the season where mythical beings like vampires, werewolves, and ghosts reign supreme. It’s also a fairly animal-centric time of year, as several real (and often misunderstood) creatures have come to symbolize the holiday. Here’s how black cats, bats, owls, and more became linked to Halloween. Black Cats Black cats are probably the most iconic Halloween animal.
The Real History and Meaning of the Folk Song ‘Kumbaya’
Here’s how the tune went from a summer camp classic to a derisive phrase. Two things typically spring to mind when thinking of “Kumbaya.” Most people either image kids enthusiastically singing the tune around a campfire or, less pleasantly, adults using it to mock unrealistic expectations of cooperation.
Why Do Dogs Stick Their Heads Out of Car Windows-And Is it Safe?
We have bad news for dogs who like to do this. A happy pup sticking its head out of a car window, tongue lolling, is a fairly common sight. Much like humans who love a good road trip in a convertible car with the wind in their hair and sunshine on their faces, dogs seem to enjoy it, too. But what is it about these animals that makes them want to stick their heads out of a moving vehicle’s windows? And is it even safe?
The Oldest University in All 50 States
A handful of East Coast schools date to the 1600s. Late summer heralds the start of back-to-school season, meaning it won’t be long before college students are hurriedly finishing their term papers and chugging quad-shots of espresso during their late-night study sessions. Learned students have wandered the hallowed halls of universities throughout the world for centuries. The oldest operating university was established way back in 859 CE in Fez, Morocco.
The 20 Most Fun States in the U.S.
It’s no surprise to see Florida, California, and New York at the top of the list. There’s plenty of decision fatigue that comes with planning a move (or even a trip). It can be hard to determine what place best suits your interests—after all, no one wants to spend their precious vacation days in a boring destination. WalletHub used a plethora of data sources to create a semi-objective list of the most fun states in America.
The 10 Biggest Concerts in History
If you want a big crowd, hold a free concert at Brazil’s Copacabana Beach. It can sometimes seem as though millions of people are cramming into concert venues to see the biggest artists in the world. Although no ticketed gig has ever actually reached attendance numbers in the millions—George Strait recently broke the U.S. record, with 110,905 fans seeing his show at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field stadium on June 15, 2024—plenty of free ones have. Here are 10 of the most highly attended concerts in history.
The 10 Airports With the Most TSA Complaints
Travelers heading to New York City and Florida: beware. There’s nothing like landing at your dream destination only to discover your entire wardrobe was somehow lost along the way. Or being stuck in an hours-long security line and nearly missing your flight. The airport experience can make or break your travel plans—and not all airports are created equal.
How to Give Your Cat a Bath
We’ve gathered some expert tips on how to make the experience less stressful for both you and your cat. Cats are meticulous about their hygiene, spending between 30–50 percent of their waking hours grooming. And while they are very capable of staying clean from head to tail on their own, there are a few situations where giving your cat a bath is necessary—though it typically isn’t a fun experience for either kitty or owner.
The History-and Value-of the Princess Diana Beanie Baby
Unfortunately, you won’t get as much cash for Princess as you probably hoped. By Lorna Wallace|Aug 21, 2024 Along with Furbies and the Nintendo 64, Beanie Babies were one of the most iconic toys of the ’90s. But while Furbies continue to plague parents to this day and Nintendo is still a heavy hitter in the gaming industry, the Beanie Baby craze didn’t make it past the Millennium.
5 Civilizations Destroyed by Climate Change
Shifting weather patterns did not bode well for these ancient cultures. Climate change might be getting a lot of headlines these days, but shifting global temperatures and weather patterns are nothing new. In fact, humans have been dealing with it for millennia. But our recent and firsthand understanding has prompted researchers to take a second look at some vanished civilizations to see what led to their downfall.
The World’s 15 Most Walking-Friendly Cities
Want to make sure you get your steps in? It helps to live in a fairly flat place. Walking isn’t just the most classic mode of human transportation: it’s also one of the healthiest, cheapest, and most sustainable. That’s why nearly 80 percent of those polled in a National Association of Realtors survey indicated they’d be willing to pay a premium to live in a walkable community.
‘Pop! Goes the Weasel’: The Real Meaning Behind the Nursery Rhyme
We apologize in advance for getting the tune stuck in your head. “Pop! Goes the Weasel” is one of the most pervasive kids’ songs ever written: The earworm pops up everywhere from jack-in-the-box toys to Data and Riker’s first encounter in Star Trek: The Next Generation. But not only did the tune likely not start out as a nursery rhyme, the lyrics might not even be about a weasel popping out from a hole in the ground.
14 Gaffes That Tanked Presidential Bids
The Dean scream will forever live in infamy. Presidential campaign season is in full swing. As voters prepare to take to the polls to choose the next leader of the United States, let’s reflect on 14 of the sometimes overblown, sometimes weird, but always entertaining mistakes that ended past presidential campaigns. The Howard Dean Scream // 2004 Presidential Election Former governor of Vermont Howard Dean sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher’s Filter
Yes, your dishwasher has a filter. And yes, you do need to clean it. We have good news and bad news regarding this trusty piece of kitchen equipment. The bad news is that your dishwasher has a filter you’ve probably never opened or bothered to clean (and which you might not have even known was there in the first place). The good news, however, is that cleaning your dishwasher’s filter isn’t actually difficult at all. What do you mean, my dishwasher has a filter?
The World’s 15 Best College Cities
A university’s location can make or break someone’s college experience. When students decide where they’ll be continuing their education, they shouldn’t just consider the school itself: The city (or town) where the college or university is located matters, too, as it’ll be their home for the next four years. To figure out the world’s most student-friendly cities, researchers at Immerse Education conducted a study that analyzed 37 popular university locations.
What’s the Difference Between Coconut Trees and Palm Trees?
Coconut trees are palm trees—but not all palm trees are coconut trees. If you’re driving along a tropical coast, it can be easy for one of the area’s tall, fan-leafed trees to catch your eye and make you start daydreaming about all things coconut. Because of their similar characteristics, many people mistake palm and coconut trees for one another. But not every palm tree is a coconut tree. Here are some tips on how to spot the differences between the plants. Are coconut trees palm trees?
One Misconception About 64 Different Animals
Cows have only one stomach, toads won’t give you warts, and sloths aren’t lazy. By Jon Mayer, Kerry Wolfe, Stacy Conradt | 4:05 PM EDT Despite every cartoon of ostriches you’ve ever seen, they don’t bury their heads to avoid danger. If they sense trouble and can’t run to safety, ostriches actually hit the ground and stay motionless. So, where did the myth come from?
The 15 Best (and Worst) U.S. Cities For Families in 2024
According to one study, California has several family-friendly cities. Deciding where to start building your family can be one tricky choice. Before you start browsing Zillow, you might want to take a look at the most family-friendly cities. WalletHub looked at 180 cities in the United States and ranked them based on 45 distinct factors including the number of playgrounds per capita and average divorce rates.
Here's Why Most Tornadoes Occur in the U.S.
When it comes to twisters, the country’s geography doesn’t do it any favors. There are plenty of things that seem inherently American, from apple pies to blue jeans. Tornadoes, unfortunately, are also a common American phenomenon (though they aren’t exclusive to the United States). These natural disasters are everywhere in pop culture, from the classic Wizard of Oz to modern films like 2024’s Twisters. But why is the U.S. so much more vulnerable to tornadoes than other parts of the planet?
The 15 States Where Workers Earn the Most Money Original
Where you live definitely affects how much you can potentially make. The industry you’ve made a career in certainly helps determine the size of your paycheck. But where you live also affects your potential earnings. With consumer price inflation rising a whopping 21 percent since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, you might want to get a feel of how your state is faring. WalletHub looked at all 50 states (and Washington, D.C.) to see which areas bring the best income.
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