CaLea Johnson, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

How Grand Teton National Park Is Using Papier-Mâché Birds to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse

5 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Papier-mâché art meets wildlife conservation as Grand Teton National Park uses decoys to protect the greater sage-grouse from deadly aircraft strikes. Papier-mâché is a common art medium, but that’s not all it’s good for. According to Popular Science, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is using the material in an attempt to protect a vulnerable bird species from planes. The bird in question is the greater sage-grouse, a species native to the western United States and Canada.
Every State’s Favorite Fictional Mom, Mapped

5 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

From Lorelai Gilmore to Marge Simpson, discover which iconic fictional moms are most loved in every state. From classic sitcoms to fantasy series, Americans have strong opinions about their favorite on-screen moms. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the online security review website PrivacyJournal recently revealed which fictional mom each state loves most in its latest report [PDF]. The site created this map by first making a list of iconic mothers across generations and genres of media.
Remains of What Could Be America’s First Domestic Cats Came From a 16th-Century Shipwreck

6 days ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Newly analyzed remains suggest that domesticated cats arrived in America in 1559. Cats are such a prominent part of American culture today that it’s hard to imagine the country without them. But our feline friends arrived on our shores more recently than you may assume. As Smithsonian reports, a new study published in the journal American Antiquity links America’s first domestic cats to a 16th-century shipwreck.
Missed the REAL ID Deadline? Here’s What You Need to Know to Fly Without One

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

The REAL ID deadline has arrived. If you plan on traveling without one, you’ll need to know when to arrive at the airport and what documents to bring with you. Starting Wednesday, May 7, a regular ID won’t cut it for travelers looking to fly within the U.S. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, and the deadline has finally arrived after about 20 years.
The Most (and Least) Stressed States in 2025

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Find out which states are struggling the most and which ones are keeping calm. A little stress is a normal part of life, but it’s possible to feel too much of it. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that over three-quarters of adults report stress-related symptoms, including depression and tiredness. If you’re wondering how this problem breaks down by region, check out the most—and least—stressed states in 2025.
A Banksy Wall Tagged By Rival Graffiti Artists Is Heading to Auction

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Banksy‘s altered mural “Battle to Survive a Broken Heart“ heads to auction this May, with part of the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Banksy made a name for himself in the early 1990s when he started spray-painting stencils around Bristol, England. Today he’s one of the most prominent graffiti artists in the world. Though he remains anonymous, his often politically-charged works draw huge crowds and sometimes sell for millions.
The 10 Best Airlines for Nervous Fliers

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Struggle with flight anxiety? Singapore Airlines was named the No.1 airline for nervous travelers. Flying is the safest travel method statistically, but many people aren’t convinced. The fear of flying, or aviophobia, is pretty common, with 40 percent of the U.S. population dreading the moment they board a plane. If you’re one of those folks, consider flying with one of the airlines rated best for nervous flyers.
The Iconic Subway Scene From ‘Spider-Man 2’ Gets the LEGO Treatment

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

LEGO is bringing iconic superhero scenes to life with its new ‘Spider-Man 2’ and ‘Batman Forever’ sets—preorder now before they swing off the shelves. The Marvel franchise is hardly new to the world of LEGO, but one iconic scene fromSpider-Man 2(2004) is. Fans will soon get to recreate the hero’s confrontation with Doc Ock on the New York City subway—one of the most memorable set pieces from the original Spider-Man series. Per Gizmodo, the set contains 393 pieces and comes with four minifigures: J.
Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Key differences between skates and rays include their physical traits, diet, and reproduction. When most people think of cartilaginous fish, sharks are the first to come to mind. But the category also covers skates and rays—two flat, kite-shaped species of ocean dwellers closely related to sharks. They may look alike at first glance, but skates and rays are surprisingly different.
The 10 Most Popular Mother’s Day Activities for 2025

1 week ago | mentalfloss.com | CaLea Johnson

Celebrate Mother’s Day with trending date ideas like paint and sip classes, wine tastings, and pottery workshops. Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11) is fast approaching, and many people are looking for ways to honor one of the most important people in their life. Instead of racking your brain trying to think of memorable activities, check out the list below for inspiration. Google Trends did the research to compile this information.