It's always stunning to me when scientists discover new species. And unlike the recent hexapus (the 6-legged octopus) that got so much press over a birth defect [click here to read about Henry the Hexapus], a recent expedition by New Zealand scientists to Antarctica's Ross Sea has uncovered all sorts of new and unusual species. Apparently, the scientists were on a 35 day census of the region, and traveled 2,000 miles collecting over 30,000 sea creatures. In any case, National Geographic has a terrific... READ ON
G4's The Feed tipped me off on a gem of an item. If the standard Temperpedic and down comforter aren't offering all the sleep security you need, perhaps you need a slight upgrade to the Quantum Sleeper. Apparently, the mattress and casing will protect you from everything a Happy Fun Ball won't. Just look at a few of the offerings Bulletproof Plating Bio-chemical Filtered Ventillation System Cover and Door with Emergency Release One-way see through head cover (with reflective mirror on the other... READ ON
This is an old idea I'm still trying out where I talk about something trivial I just learned about and then act outraged about how nobody told me. Here goes: Last night the WKU Hilltoppers were playing in the Sweet 16, and my roommate claimed it was the best team name he'd heard of since the old Brooklyn Dodgers' name.... READ ON
There's an incredible piece over at the Daily Mail on how filmmaker John Downer was making an animal documentary in Madhya Pradesh in India, and decided to recruit elephants to help out. "Downer said he came up with the idea three years ago when his team started filming the tigers. He noticed how gently the forest elephants carried firewood to their camp and wondered if they'd be as delicate with a camera. "And they were," he enthused. "Elephants do not see tigers as a threat, and tigers are comfortable... READ ON
The WebUrbanist has posted some deliciously recycled furniture over here. From shopping cart chairs, to bath tub sofas to what to do with all your recycled CD's (apparently, you should make furniture with them!), there's plenty of great stuff you probably won't find at Ikea. Click here to see... READ ON
It's a sad day for Fast Food history enthusiasts. Herb Peterson, the genius behind the Egg McMuffin passed away today. The 89-year old former ad man dreamed up the sandwich as a way to open up a whole new area of business for Ray Kroc and company- breakfast! Before the McMuffin, McDonald's lived off of its lunch and dinner operation. Peterson was also the brains behind McDonald's original slogan "Where Quality Starts Fresh Every Day," and I'm sure his enthusiasm for the Golden Arches will certainly be... READ ON
Get excited: It's Day 3 of our T-Shirt unveiling, and today we're showcasing a brand new physics shirt from the brilliant mind of reader Will Hierholzer. Need one now? Then get yourself over to the mental_floss store, where THIS WEEK ONLY, we're running a special discount. Simply enter the coupon code "shirtoftheday" and you'll automatically get 10% off. Happy... READ ON
It's Day 2 of our unveiling, and boy are we excited. Today's shirt comes from the very clever Katie Kelly. Thanks Katie! To get your shirt today, simply go to the mental_floss store for purchase. And if you enter the discount code "shirtoftheday" you'll automatically get 10% off. Happy shopping! [Shirt of Yesterday: "Christians have the best... READ ON
A while back, Jason and I asked the Floss faithful to contribute some ideas for new t-shirts. You spoke, we listened. And then we designed, and printed. Each day this week we'll be unveiling (and discounting) a new shirt. Today's shirt comes from the deliciously twisted mind of Stefanie Fontanez, who's getting both a $100 cash prize and a t-shirt with her slogan on it. Thanks Stefanie! Stephanie's shirt is available at the mental_floss store for purchase. Simply enter the discount code "shirtoftheday"... READ ON
This is one of my favorite state facts ever, and I'm thrilled someone inserted it into the Amazing Fact Generator. Remember, if you submit a fact we end up using, your name will be credited for as long as the generator is around (we're guessing that means... READ ON
5 Questions: Jimmy Hoffa
Lesser-Known Founding Fathers
Michael Jackson wanted to do a Harry Potter musical. J.K. Rowling said no.