CaLea Johnson, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Can You Identify These Famous City Skylines?

3 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Think you know your skyscraper architecture? Take this Google Earth quiz and try to match the 3D cityscapes to their locations. Google Earth has been one of the most useful tools on the internet for decades. It’s been instrumental in numerous projects, ranging from tracking animal and plant species to preserving Indigenous languages spoken around the world. Many people also simply enjoy exploring the planet for fun.
Biologists Launch Most Comprehensive Database of Marine Animal Body Sizes to Date

3 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

The Marine Organismal Body Size Database (MOBS) is changing marine research by offering size data on over 85,000 ocean species. Online tools like AVONET and AnimalTraits make it easy to compare the sizes of animals that reside above sea level. A comparable data wasn’t previously available for ocean dwellers, but now scientists based in the U.S. and the UK have changed that. The new Marine Organismal Body Size Database (MOBS) is the most comprehensive catalogue of its kind.
The 25 Most Patriotic States in the U.S

3 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Which states are the most devoted to the red, white, and blue? The ranking below is based on voting, military service, and volunteering. People express patriotism in different ways, whether through voting, volunteering, or other civic duties. To determine which U.S. states show the highest levels of national pride, the personal finance company WalletHub conducted a nationwide analysis.
Cup Noodles Debuts Dill Pickle Instant Ramen

4 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Get ready for a tangy twist on instant ramen. Cup Noodles is known for classic flavors like shrimp, chicken, beef, and seafood, but the instant ramen company occasionally likes to think outside the box. Its latest unexpected variety is dill pickle. Cup Noodles introduced a salty, vinegar-forward version of its classic noodle soup to store shelves on June 21. Like the original recipe, all you need to do is simply pour hot water into the cup and wait a few minutes before enjoying the portable meal.
The Fastest Way to Check If a Pineapple Is Ripe

4 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Once you learn these tips, you’ll never buy an unripe pineapple again. Summer is a great excuse to eat more pineapple. Whether you use it as a topping on the controversial Hawaiian pizza or shake it into a piña colada, the tropical fruit makes a fantastic addition to many foods and drinks. But it can be annoying to cut into a pineapple only to realize it’s not ripe. Luckily, there are a few ways to tell if the fruit is ready to eat before buying it. Shopping for Pineapple?
Map Shows the Most Popular Truck Types in the U.S.

5 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Semi-trucks take the lead. Americans love their trucks, and their internet habits prove it. The Google Trends team took a deep dive into search data to determine which types of trucks are revving up the most interest nationwide. The Truck Types Americans Google the MostTo compile this data, analysts examined which truck-related queries were most prevalent in each state. The terms with the highest search volume are reflected in the map below.
Map: The Most Popular Taco Bell Items in Each State

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Find out which Taco Bell items each state craves the most, from sweet snacks to filling mains. Taco Bell tends to be reliable, whether the fast food restaurant is your go-to or a last resort. But have you ever wondered which menu items your state likes most? A recent analysis reveals that many states still prefer the tried-and-true Taco Bell classics.
Heinz Is Officially Team Breakfast Ketchup, With a New Bottle to Prove It

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Heinz is launching a new “Breakfast Ketchup” label, sparking conversations around the controversial condiment habit. Many would agree that ketchup pairs well with foods like french fries, hot dogs, and burgers. A smaller group swears that the condiment is also an essential part of a complete breakfast. Although this take continues to be controversial, one of the most famous ketchup brands has come out in favor of it.
Rare Ceratosaurus Fossil Expected to Fetch Millions at Auction

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

A prehistoric predator is the latest pricey fossil to hit the auction block. Auction houses have been known to feature unique items, from Pokémon-shaped Cheetos to mummified cats, and dinosaur fossils are some of their rarest offerings. One of the latest prehistoric treasures to hit the market is the fossilized skeleton of a rare, carnivorous Ceratosaurus.
The 25 U.S. Cities With the Most Expensive Hotels

1 week ago | flipboard.com | CaLea Johnson

NowChase Sapphire Leapfrogs Amex Platinum With a New $795 Annual FeeThe price jump is part of an ongoing shift for credit card companies and airlines toward premium rewards and high-end travelers.