Stacy Conradt
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Articles by Stacy Conradt
10 Facts You Should Know About the Flu This Winter
The seasonal flu is a fact of life, but you get your annual flu shot, your likelihood of suffering the flu’s unpleasant symptoms decreases. Here’s what else you should know about the ever-circulating virus, which is running particularly rampant as of January 2026. The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu. andreswd/GettyImages The vaccines contain a dead piece of the flu virus, and a dead virus can’t infect you.
6 Extremely Rare Medical Conditions You May Have Never Heard Of
Did you know there’s a medical condition that can lead to you getting drunk from eating bread? And that some people get terrible hives from water? Let’s explore some extremely rare medical conditions, as adapted from the above episode of The List Show on YouTube.
8 Wild Misconceptions About Florida, Debunked
Do Florida Man stories really happen all that often in Florida? And does the Sunshine State really have the most alligators? Florida is often the butt of many jokes. But people often get a lot wrong about the state. Let’s debunk some of the big myths about Florida, as adapted from the above episode of Misconceptions on YouTube. Misconception: Florida has the greatest population of old people in the United States. Misconception: Florida has more alligators than any other state.
8 Major Misconceptions About College
From Animal House to Pitch Perfect, pop culture has shaped the way a lot of us think about higher education. But for many people, college is a lot different than these movies would leave them to believe, Let’s explore some common misconceptions about college—from how much majors matter to the infamous Freshman 15—as adapted from the above episode of Misconceptions on YouTube. Misconception: College students always stay up really late.
47 Fun Facts About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
On Thursday, November 23, Macy’s will send its Thanksgiving Day Parade down the streets of Manhattan—a spectacle that millions of people tune in to watch from the comfort of their homes. Here are a few things you might not have known about the iconic holiday event. 1. The Macy’s parade was initially Christmas-themed.
10 Discontinued Disney Parks Foods
As fans know all too well, Disney giveth and Disney taketh away. (Remember the Disney Vault?) Not even food at Disney Parks is exempt: While some foodie favorites like churros and Mickey ice cream bars have been staples for years, other beloved treats have been unceremoniously yanked from menus. Check out these 10 treats you can no longer find at Disney Parks. 1.
10 Facts About St. Peter's Basilica
1 hour ago The New Far-Right Coalition That’s Out to Destroy American Democracy “Money, Lies, and God” argues that the failed January 6 insurrection didn’t discourage those who want to dismantle the republic.
10 Facts About St. Peter’s Basilica
It’s no longer the largest church in Christendom, but St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is still the most fabulous. Whether you’re Catholic or not, it’s hard to argue with the fact that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an amazing feat of architecture and art. The cornerstone for this sanctified structure was laid on April 18, 1506, and it remains the scene of papal pomp and pageantry today. Here are a few facts about the house that Peter built (according to Catholic tradition, anyway).
7 Cases of Alleged Spontaneous Human Combustion
Can people really explode into flames without warning? The cause of death in these mysterious cases has, at one time or another, been reported as spontaneous human combustion—but there was often a more realistic explanation. “Four feet distance from the bed there was a heap of ashes, two legs untouch’d, from the foot to the knee, with their stockings on,” wrote Paul Rolli, a fellow of the British Royal Society, describing the mysterious 1731 death of Countess Cornelia Bandi.
7 of the Most Bizarre Discontinued Ben & Jerry’s Flavors
Ice cream flavors come and go, but the memory of some of these picks from Ben & Jerry’s can still make your taste buds melt. For some folks, it can be tough to choose a favorite ice cream flavor. The answer gets even harder to come by when you’re considering which Ben & Jerry’s flavor outdoes the rest.
10 Pop Culture Classics That Originally Got Bad Reviews
There’s no accounting for taste when it comes to critics’ misguided impressions of cultural classics, from mini-skirts to ‘Moby-Dick.’ Works that we consider classics—or, at the very least, valuable contributions to society—haven't always been seen as such. Sometimes it takes a little time and perspective for us to understand the true value of something. Here are a few examples of things that really tanked whey they were first released, but are now considered pretty important.
9 Places That Have Served as the Capital of the United States
The nation’s capital changed location quite a bit before moving to its longstanding spot on the Potomac. Washington, D.C., hasn’t always been the political center of the United States. In fact, nine different cities across the country have served as the nation’s capital at one point or another, even if only for a day (and technically, some of them can’t be called capitals of the United States, but the capital of the colonies).
101 Things We Learned in 2024
Let’s celebrate another year in the books with a look back at how our knowledge grew over the past 12 months. Bymentalfloss .com, Stacy Conradt| It’s been another amazing year for fun facts about history, science, animals, Parmesan cheese, and everything in between.
The Original Reviews of 10 Classic Christmas Movies
Whether you’re a fan of Buddy the Elf or prefer the retro allure of Bedford Falls, there are certain movies that just make the holidays complete—but not all of them were always so popular. Here’s what the critics originally thought of 10 classic Christmas movies. 1. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) It seems that the Jimmy Stewart-Donna Reed classic was beloved from the start.
12 Festive Facts About ‘A Christmas Story’
Because Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the 24-hour marathon on TBS. By Stacy Conradt|Nov 19, 2024 Which Oscar-winning star wanted to play Ralphie Parker’s dad? Which actor went on to have a seedy career in the adult film industry? Can you really get your tongue stuck to a metal pole? On the 35th anniversary of A Christmas Story’s debut, here are a few tidbits about the holiday classic to tide you over until TBS and TNT’s 24-hour Christmas marathon.
20 Thanksgiving Facts to Liven Up Your Meal
When your uncle starts to talk politics, get the conversation back on track with these Thanksgiving tidbits instead. By Stacy Conradt|Nov 21, 2023 While you’re gathering with loved ones this Thanksgiving—whether in person or over Zoom—you may find yourself making small talk family you haven't seen in a while. These 20 facts are sure to keep them fascinated until it’s time for the feast to begin. 1.
Yves Klein: The Artist Who Invented a Color
The French artist Yves Klein wasn’t satisfied with just any old blue. By Stacy Conradt|May 1, 2024 Many artists go through stages where they take inspiration from extremely specific muses. Yves Klein, a French abstract artist working in the mid-20th century, took “Blue Period” to a new level. Klein worked in monochromes—individual colors that he believed expressed feeling and “made visible the absolute,” according to his official website.
The Origins of 12 Christmas Traditions
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12 Festive Facts About ‘A Christmas Story’
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35 Celebrities Who Served in the Military
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The Time Andrew Jackson Won the Vote but Lost the Presidency
Winning both the popular vote and getting the most electoral college votes wasn’t enough for Andrew Jackson to win the 1824 election. In 1824, Andrew Jackson found himself in a confusing situation: He won both the popular vote and got the most votes in the electoral college, but lost the election anyway.
What 10 Classic Books Were Almost Called
Everyone from Bram Stoker to Harper Lee has discarded out a title or two and come up with something better. Remember when your high school reading list included Atticus, Fiesta, and The Last Man in Europe? You will once you see what these books were renamed before they hit bookshelves. 1. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald went through quite a few titles for his most well-known book before deciding on The Great Gatsby.
10 Famous Uses of the Ouija Board
Sylvia Plath often broke out her Ouija Board to speak to her spirit guide, Pan. Tempted to break out the Ouija Board this spooky season? You wouldn’t be the first. Here are the stories of famous writers, jurors, politicians, and musicians who consulted the spirits using the board (sometimes with mixed results). Sylvia Plath Sylvia Plath and her husband, Ted Hughes, used an upside-down brandy glass for the planchette of their Ouija board, which they often broke out to talk to their spirit guide, Pan.
How 8 Iconic Horror Movie Villains Were Created
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The Forgotten Uses of 9 Everyday Objects
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The Forgotten Uses of 9 Everyday Objects
You may never look at these household staples the same way again. Some of the products we use daily have functions most of us are completely unaware of. From features not being used as the manufacturer intended, to details that are functionally outdated but still hanging on aesthetically, here are eight forgotten uses for everyday items. The Tiny “Extra” Pocket On Your Jeans You’ve probably noticed that some of your jeans have a small pocket located in one of the front pockets.
The Last Words and Final Moments of 39 U.S. Presidents
Some presidents’ last words have been profound (“This is the last of earth; I am content”) and others have been merely practical (“Help!”). Among the presidents of the United States, some have been known as magnificent orators, always ready with a profound maxim or erudite joke. Others would be applauded just for uttering a complete sentence. Here are the final thoughts 39 presidents. 1. George Washington // d.
10 Famous Archaeological Hoaxes
From forged artworks to fake mummies and even fraudulent orangutan bones, archaeological hoaxes fool scientists and stir the public’s imagination—until the culprits are forced to come clean. By Stacy Conradt|Aug 20, 2024 When it comes to unearthing the ancient origins of humankind or solving the mystery of a vanished American colony, people want to believe. And that makes them easy targets of archaeological hoaxes.
25 of the Most Covered Songs in Music History
Unlike movies, where it’s rare that a second (or third) attempt at remaking a film can ever match—let alone top—the original, music is a different sort of creative beast. Just because The Beatles did a bang-up job on one song doesn’t mean that Joan Baez or Elvis Presley couldn’t do the same tune justice in their own unique way (which is a very good thing, as The Beatles’s catalog is one of the most copied in music history).
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?
10 of the Oldest Universities in the World That Are Still Operating
These ancient universities in Asia, Africa, and Europe have even the oldest U.S. institutions beat by centuries. Universities in the United States can’t compete with the longevity of those in other parts of the world.
The Origins of 10 Presidential Campaign Slogans
You probably remember Barack Obama’s “Yes, We Can.” But do you remember Herbert Hoover’s campaign slogan? How about FDR’s? In any election year, voters will be hit with an avalanche of campaign slogans meant to prop up the bona fides of the candidates. Let's revisit some slogans from elections past that helped the candidate move into the White House.
The Quick 10: People With Fake Middle Initials
Maybe fake isn't exactly correct - some of the people on this list really have initials for middle names, they just don't mean anything. But others have made them up entirely. Read on to see what I mean. 1. Harry S. Truman. His parents were trying to please both grandpas – Anderson Shippe Truman and Solomon Young. To avoid playing favorites, they simply gave Give ‘Em Hell Harry an initial for a middle name.
14 Things You Owned in the ‘70s That Are Worth a Fortune Now
From old toys and housewares to books and records, these pieces of ‘70s memorabilia have aged (and increased in value) like fine wine. 1. The Lord of the Rings Knickerbocker Playset Peter Jackson wasn’t the first one to take a crack at J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In 1978, Ralph Bakshi directed an animated version with the voices of John Hurt, William Squire, and Anthony Daniels, among others.
Why Do We Call a President’s Wife “First Lady”?
One day, we might be asking the same question about "first gentlemen.” Presidents have had a lot of titles and nicknames, not all of them flattering. Andrew Jackson was “Old Hickory,” while William Henry Harrison was “Old Granny.” John Tyler was deemed “His Accidency” and Rutherford B. Hayes “His Fraudulency.” But the wife of every president has one common honorific. Why do we call her “first lady”?
Mount Everest: The World’s Highest Graveyard
From base camp to the death zone, Mount Everest’s body count continues to climb. Climbing Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain (as measured from sea level), is one of the greatest physical accomplishments humans can achieve. The bitter temperatures, unpredictable weather, icy terrain, and lack of oxygen make it so difficult, in fact, that many don’t survive to tell the tale. And most of the climbers who didn’t make it are still on the mountain.
10 Interpretations of Popular Nursery Rhymes
Some of the possible interpretations for these tales go back to real-life historical figures—and others are a little dark. By Stacy Conradt | 8:01 AM EDT You’ve probably grown up your entire life without putting much thought into the origins of the nursery rhymes drilled into your head. There are tales behind each of them—some involving real-life historical figures, others that supposedly have very dark meanings—but whether they’re accurate or not is another story.
14 Very Valuable Coins That May Be Sitting In Your Coin Jar
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The Surprising Stories Behind 6 Famous Slogans
The inspiration for "Just Do It" came from a pretty morbid source. By Stacy Conradt | Mar 22, 2024, 9:22 AM EDT Though some of the greatest advertising slogans in history seem relatively simple ("Just Do It" is only three words, after all), most of the time, they're anything but. Here's how six of the most enduring taglines came to be. 1.
What 10 Major Retailers Once Sold
In some cases, these retailers have come a long way from their humble beginnings. By Stacy Conradt | 4:01 PM EDT If David Abercrombie had known what his store was going to become when he founded it in 1892, he probably he would have been stunned. It’s amazing what years of evolution and buyouts can do to a company’s original vision—here’s what Abercrombie and Fitch and nine other clothing retailers sold when their doors first opened. 1.
The Surprising Origin of Stockholm Syndrome
Kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst put Stockholm Syndrome on the world’s radar when she robbed a bank at the behest of her captors. But the origin of Stockholm Syndrome lies in another bank robbery that occurred eight months earlier. By Stacy Conradt | Feb 14, 2024, 12:19 PM EST Most people associate Stockholm Syndrome, a situation in which people being held captive feel sympathy toward their captors, with publishing heiress Patty Hearst.
10 Facts About the Flu
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10 Facts About the Flu Original
The seasonal flu is a fact of life, but you get your annual flu shot, your likelihood of suffering the flu’s unpleasant symptoms decreases. Here’s what else you should know about the ever-circulating virus. 1. The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu. The vaccines contain a dead piece of the flu virus, and a dead virus can’t infect you. There is a nasal vaccine that contains a live virus, but that particular vaccine is designed to seek and destroy the part of the virus that actually makes you sick. 2.
9 Infamous Kidnappings
These notorious abductions captured the attention of an entire nation in their era—and continue to fascinate even decades later. On February 4, 1974, 19-year-old publishing heiress Patty Hearst was taken from her apartment in Berkeley, California. Fifty years later, people remain divided about one of the most famous crimes in history—but Hearst is far from the only abduction case to capture public attention. Here are nine infamous kidnappings that once had the nation on edge. 1.
9 Funerals Gone Wrong
Funerals are typically solemn affairs—unless the bowels of the dearly departed happen to explode all over the crowd of mourners. By Stacy Conradt | Dec 21, 2023 If you’re at a funeral, you would think the worst has already happened: the loss of a loved one. But some funeral mishaps prove that it actually can get worse. From a foul-mouthed parrot to an exploding corpse to swapped (and dropped) bodies, the funerals on this list went terribly awry. 1.
On December 1, 1955, a Bus Driver Had Rosa Parks Arrested—But It Wasn’t Their First Encounter - NewsBreak
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The most famous person born every year of the 20th century
1 of 102 Photos in Gallery©DepositPhotos.com 20th century stars From presidents and royals to musicians and movie stars, we’ve identified the most famous person born every year of the 20th century, as well as some honorable mentions. Who was the brightest star the year you were born — other than you, of course? Read on to find out. 1 of 31 Photos in Gallery©Getty Images Back to the '50s: what was life like in the typing pool?
8 Weird Disasters from History
Florida's weather is often predictable—but few people would have expected “partly cloudy with a chance of golf balls” as the weather forecast. When you think of a disaster, things like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes probably come to mind. But some catastrophes aren’t quite that run-of-the-mill. From downpours of mystery meat and golf calls to toxic smog and a sticky situation for Pepsi, here are some of history’s strangest disasters. 1.
How Barbra Streisand Inspired the “Streisand Effect”
It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international celebrity—like, say, Barbra Streisand—you’re going to draw even more attention.
How Barbra Streisand Inspired the “Streisand Effect”
It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international celebrity—like, say, Barbra Streisand—you’re going to draw even more attention.
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