mental_floss magazine
SUBSCRIBE >
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS >
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS >
subscriber services >
Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix
There are few shows as consistently entertaining and educational as Mythbusters, where Adam, Jamie and the crew put common (mis)conceptions to the test. But can you remember which myths they busted and which ones they confirmed?
Take the Quiz: Myth Busted?
Comments (14)
Comment
- Follow mental_floss
83% I love Mythbusters.
posted by Vickey on 12-3-2009 at 11:43 am
I disagree w/ #10. As I recall, they got an acrobat on a “Russian Swing” to go around in a circle unaided. Admittedly, it was a special swing, but it was a swing.
posted by Jonny on 12-3-2009 at 12:27 pm
I saw this youtube video on the guy w/ the beret (Adam?)…some staffer or crewmember filmed it…to show what a total jerk he is…pretty funny video, and he came off looking like a total A-hole…
posted by Amitcdn on 12-3-2009 at 1:05 pm
I also disagree with the swing test. Saw those Russian dudes. And my stream seems stong enough to electocute me! (only two missed!)
posted by PT on 12-3-2009 at 2:00 pm
Yeah, but I think that the myth was specifically for swing sets – something that you’d typically find in a background, a swing with chains.
posted by Anne on 12-3-2009 at 2:12 pm
Too many caveats. #2: Busted, unless… #7: Busted, but limited to less-than-tornado speeds. #8: Confirmed, as long as you have enough bombs. #10: Busted, but if you use a rocket… #11: Overturned.
Come on — are you testing whether we watched the show, or whether these things are true or not? I’d rather be smart than be a couch potato.
posted by Jeff on 12-3-2009 at 2:35 pm
11 out of 12. Awesome, now where’s that application to become a Mythtern.
posted by Andy on 12-3-2009 at 2:41 pm
Wow Jeff, you should lighten up! Some people watch a lot of tv, but others like you get online and make negative comments all day. Neither seem to be fruitful in my opinion. On a positive note, I got an 83%! Cheers!
posted by JW on 12-3-2009 at 2:46 pm
83%!
I’ve seen several of these and I think it’s more common sense than anything, if you need a rocket, high powered swing, or would have to pee on the 3rd rail from less than a few inches away to be electrocuted it isn’t really plausible and, therefore, a busted myth.
And, I actually remember seeing the wine glass one here on mental_floss a while back.
posted by Nerak on 12-3-2009 at 4:51 pm
@JW: Thank you for convincing me not to bother commenting anywhere, anytime, anymore. My comment was directed at the quiz, not those who took it or even those who got a better score than I did. But if watching TV needs to be a qualifier for what makes us smart, perhaps my attention (and purchasing power, including my soon-to-expire magazine subscription) is better spent on other sites.
posted by Jeff on 12-3-2009 at 5:07 pm
Jeff sounds like he didn’t score very well… Haha. And actually mythbusters is one of the few television shows I actually watch…
posted by Vickey on 12-3-2009 at 6:07 pm
@JW: “lighten up” is obviously the correct observation of the day. Apparently the MB quiz and your comment was enough to encourage someone to give up mental_floss. And your reply wasn’t even that bad…wow.
posted by pacificsherpa on 12-3-2009 at 6:12 pm
I also disagree with #10, but I have done it. Normal swing in a park behind a library. Scared the shit out of me!
posted by Lorelei on 12-3-2009 at 7:38 pm
huh. 92%. I need to stop watching tv, I guess.
@Lorelei – You did this on a normal swing? How?! You may be my hero now.
posted by Lindsey on 12-4-2009 at 11:11 am