Mangesh & Jason

You Don’t Need to Get $225,000 Worth of Plastic Surgery Just to Celebrate William Shakespeare

Lots of people say they like Shakespeare. Not a lot of people get plastic surgery just to prove it.... READ ON

Glowing Tomato Plants, Levitating Salt and The Secret to Homaro Cantu's Genius

When you think of madcap inventors and nerd heroes, it's hard to think of someone more inspiring than Homaro Cantu.... READ ON

Are You a Nina, a Pinta, or a Santa Maria?

Don't be the only person at your Columbus Day party who doesn't know which of the explorer's ships you're most like!... READ ON

We've Got the Perfect Thing for Your Shiny New Tablet

If you got your hands on a new tablet this holiday season, your next move should be downloading the mental_floss magazine app. And when you make that next move, you get the current issue of mental_floss free!— iPad version— Android version— Kindle versionHappy... READ ON

Our Big T-Shirt Sale Ends Tonight!

See something you like? Head over to the mental_floss store and use the code TEES17. But hurry! Sale ends at midnight... READ ON

Our 15 Most Popular T-Shirts

Download the New Issue of mental_floss Magazine!

The latest edition of mental_floss is now available in the iTunes store—and you can download it free! If you already have the mental_floss iPad app and you're having trouble downloading the new issue, make sure you've run the update. Click on the "App Store" icon and you should see it. If not, just holler and we'll get that squared away. Note: Android and Kindle Fire editions are coming very soon! And if you'd rather get a free issue of the physical magazine, we can do that,... READ ON

The 15 Most Popular Items in the Mental Floss Store

If you're looking for the perfect gift for the perfect geek, here are the 15 best-selling items in our store. 1. Obsessive Chef Cutting... READ ON

Join Us at Pat Kiernan's NYC Halloween Trivia Night!

If you're in the New York area and free on Monday, October 29th, we've got something fun for you. We're teaming up with TrivWorks and NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan for The Ultimate Halloween Pop Culture Trivia Night! Here's the scoop, via TrivWorks: "Hosted by NY1 morning news anchor Pat Kiernan, come test your knowledge of the greatest horror films, TV specials, monsters, costumes, candy and everything you can possibly think of related to New York’s most vibrant holiday! Featuring both full room &... READ ON

Introducing the mental_floss iPad App!

We're very excited to announce the launch of the iPad version of mental_floss magazine! The app is free, and if you download it now, you can get the new issue free as well (thanks, Boeing). If you've always thought about giving our magazine a shot, now seems like the perfect time. Download the mental_floss iPad app... READ ON

Introducing the Split Decision App for iPhone and Android

We spent much of 2010 developing Split Decision, our party/trivia game of improbable pairings. We've spent much of this year working on the app version, and we're thrilled to announce it's now available for both iPhone and Android! From the "hey guys, we have a new app out!" press release: Split Decision is a new game for your phone where to win you just need to decide which of two unusual categories is nonsense, and which represents real knowledge! It's packed full of funny facts, entertaining... READ ON

For Flight Attendants, Seniority Means Shorter Skirts

In the current issue of mental_floss magazine (get a free issue!), veteran flight attendant Heather Poole revealed 10 workplace secrets, including this one about the length of her... READ ON

The Top 11 mental_floss Shirts of the Year

If you sign up for a subscription to mental_floss magazine right now, you get a t-shirt for just $4 (feel free to go do that now). Since you're probably wondering what some of the more popular t-shirts are, here's a list of the top 11 of 2012 so far: 1. My Patronus is a... READ ON

Adam Cole Is This Issue's Bard-in-Residence

We shall, from time to time, add a Bard-in-Residence to the masthead. This is the first of those times. Give a warm welcome to Internet phenom Adam Cole, who made this video as a companion to our Fun Issue (on newsstands now!): http://youtu.be/_MivPcG4Pt8 Here's some other stuff The Bard has done in the past: Wanna Live Forever? Become a... READ ON

The mental_floss Guide to the NCAA Tournament: The Midwest

We're going region by region, giving you one fun fact about each team in the tournament. Last up, the Midwest! (1) North... READ ON

The mental_floss Guide to the NCAA Tournament: The East

We're going region by region, giving you one fun fact about each team in the tournament. (1)... READ ON

The mental_floss Guide to the NCAA Tournament: The South

We're going region by region, giving you one fun fact about each team in the tournament. (1) Kentucky Kentucky got its royal blue team color from a piece of clothing. In 1891 the school needed a set of team colors before a football game against in-state rival Centre College. After some debate, the students settled on blue and yellow. (The yellow would change to white a year later.) Only one question remained: what shade of blue would they use? According to the school, football letterman Richard C.... READ ON

The mental_floss Guide to the NCAA Tournament: The West

We may not be much help in filling out your bracket, but we can promise one interesting fact about each of the 68 teams in the tournament. Let's tip things off with the West... READ ON

Who's in a Survey-Taking Mood?

One of the apps we're working on is based on our trivia game, Split Decision. The team developing the app was hoping to get some feedback from you guys. So if you're in a survey-taking mood, have at it! (And thanks!) Take the Survey: Mental Floss Gaming... READ ON

15% Off Smart Valentine's Day Gifts

One of the items on sale is the Wall Coaster Extreme Stunt Kit, which is the closest we're going to get to having a giant Plinko board in the office. Here's what you can do with... READ ON

Praise Cheeses! Free Shipping on Orders Over $100

* Shipping offer expires on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Customers must enter billing and mailing address for free shipping coupon code to work at checkout. Offer valid only for US and Canadian mailing... READ ON

Forgot Someone? Great Last-Minute Gift Ideas

App loading... Please enable javascript. (function(){ var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; var src = document.location.protocol + '//'; src += (document.location.protocol == 'http:') ? 'cdn.snapapp.com' : 'scdn.snapapp.com'; src += '/widget/widget.js'; s.src = src; s.id = 'eeload'; document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);... READ ON

Today Is the Last Day for Christmas Delivery!

Two-Day Sale! All Tees $14.99!

11 Great Gift Ideas We'll Ship to You for Free Today

There's a sale going on in the mental_floss store this weekend. Here are just a few of the great gift ideas you can get with FREE SHIPPING today (no minimum; U.S./Canada orders only) — just use the coupon code BESTTHING during checkout. (No, this does not count as one of the '11 lists' you were promised. Now do some browsing! Click on any item for all the details.) 1. Salt and Pepper Bots 2. Pop Quiz Clock 3. Chemistry Cocktail... READ ON

Subscribe to mental_floss Magazine and Get a T-Shirt for $4!

Take 25% Off Everything in the mental_floss Store!

* Sale excludes magazine subscriptions, package deals, and clearance... READ ON

19 Banana Facts to Celebrate Our New Office Eel (Whose Name Is Banana, So It Makes Sense)

We came into the New York office this morning and had a new pet! Meet Banana, the office eel. 1. As any banana aficionado knows, a bunch of bananas is called a hand; individual bananas are called fingers. 2. In recorded history, bananas date back to around 600 B.C., when they were mentioned in Buddhist texts. 3. Bananas came to the Americas in the 15th century but weren't regularly imported to the United States until later, following their showcase at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition.... READ ON

The Mental Floss Trivia Show Is Coming to Cincinnati!

Attention knowledge junkies and people who like to leave their house to drink and win stuff! We're bringing the Trivia Show to Cincinnati on Tuesday, November 1. Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm Location: Go Bananas Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, OH 45242 Tickets for the event are just $10, and all of the proceeds benefit 91.7 WVXU. Come alone, come with friends, or bring a whole team! There are plenty of individual and group rounds throughout the night.... READ ON

The mental_floss Trivia Show in Columbus, OH this Thursday Night!

Calling all Columbus, OH Flossers! This Thursday night just got more fun. Come join us for the mental_floss Trivia Show at the Nissan LEAF™ Drive Electric Pavillion (1500 Polaris Parkway) for a night of funny trivia, great prizes, and big laughs. Register for your free tickets now and get a free Floss t-shirt! Check out the full details on the event page... READ ON

Huge T-Shirt Clearance Sale! Get up to 50% Off!

Right now you can save up to 50% on select styles. No coupon necessary! Just be sure to do your shopping soon — this sale ends Tuesday, August 30th. Head on over to the mental_floss... READ ON

Graduation Special: All Shirts $14.90!

Ditch the boring graduation robes this season and step out in style. This week, mental_floss t-shirts are just $14.90! Just use the coupon code GRADGIFTS before checkout. Offer ends Tuesday, May 17, at 11:59pm Eastern. Stock up... READ ON

Subscribe to mental_floss Magazine (or Renew) and Get a $4 T-Shirt!

It's a great time to subscribe to mental_floss magazine! We've got a nice special going on this weekend—get a subscription + t-shirt for only $25.97. Renewals, too! That's like buying a subscription and getting a t-shirt for only $4. Check out all our shirts, including some new designs, right here. * Discount ends April 18 at 11:59 pm EST. Price does not include shipping and is open to U.S. customers only. Shipping address for subscription and t-shirt must be the... READ ON

Happy Obscura Day Eve!

On Saturday, the fine folks from Atlas Obscura are presenting Obscura Day, a celebration of the curious and underexplored corners of cities around the world. So many cool things are on the schedule. Peruse rare medical photography at Cleveland's Dittrick Medical Museum. Trek out to Tesla's Wardenclyffe Laboratory in New York. Take a tour of the Cushing Brain Collection in New Haven—400 jars to explore! And possibly our favorite event is taking place in Lucas, KS: "Tour the World's Largest Collection... READ ON

Get 20% Off in the mental_floss Store Today!

Our April Fool's Sale ends tonight at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Take advantage of big savings now and get 20% off t-shirts, books, games and more! Just use the coupon code GOTCHA before checkout. Visit the mental_floss store! (Discount code not applicable to package deals, subscriptions and outlet... READ ON

Reminder: Our Trivia Show is Coming to Durham, NC!

Attention: Nerds, Knowledge Junkies and people who like to leave their house to drink and win stuff! We're bringing our rollicking Trivia Show to Durham, North Carolina, on Monday, February 7. Here's what you need to know: Date: Monday, February 7, 2011 Time: 7pm-8:30pm Location: Cuban Revolution 318 Blackwell Street (on the American Tobacco Campus in Durham) Durham, NC 27701 Tickets for the event are just $10, and we'll be donating all of the proceeds to the Emily K Center. Come alone,... READ ON

We'll be the ones with too many prizes in our hands!

Don't forget that the most important holiday (trivia) party of the season, the mental_floss TRIVIA SHOW, is tonight!!! You'll laugh, we'll cry, and all of us will have one too many drinks together. Here's a quick recap of the details: Location: Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY 16 Main Street Date: Sunday December 19, 2010 Time: Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Price: Entry into the event is FREE. Can't wait to see you there!!! (MORE Details at... READ ON

Win a Copy of Stuff Hipsters Hate!

Note: Our good friend and occasional contributor Brenna Ehrlich has written a book. And when our good friends and/or occasional contributors write books, we like to promote them. Make her (and her co-author Andrea Bartz) feel... READ ON

We're Coming To Durham (and we're bringing Prizes!)

We're loading up the RV and taking the Mental Floss Trivia Show on the road to beautiful Durham, North Carolina! It's true. This Monday, Feb. 7th, we'll be doing a charity show at Cuban Revolution, with all proceeds being donated to charity. Here are just a few of the reasons you should come and hang out with us: a) Tickets are just $10 when you buy them online, b) 100% of the proceeds go to the Emily K Center-- a wonderful local charity, and c) we've got TONS of loot and prizes that we're itching to give... READ ON

Last Call for Free Shipping!

Today & Tomorrow: Digital Subscriptions for $12.97

We offer digital subscriptions to mental_floss magazine through Zinio. Through Friday, they've lowered the price to a tempting $12.97! For the cost of three Starbucks Venti Tazo Chai Tea Lattes, you'll get a year's worth of mental_floss on your PC, Mac, iPad or iPhone. Probably other devices, too. Head over to Zinio and take a look! You can preview the digital version by clicking on the... READ ON

Our 20% Off Sale Ends Sunday!

There's only one day left to take advantage of our 20% off Thanksgiving Weekend sale. Head over to the mental_floss store and get 20% off shirts, games, puzzles, books and more when you use the code BLACKFRIDAY. Then eat some leftovers and take a nap. Happy shopping! * Sale ends Sunday at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Discount code not applicable to package deals, subscriptions and outlet items. Pictured Items: Split Decision, Pop Quiz Math Clock, Law School in a Box, mental_floss... READ ON

Get Free Shipping on Orders Over $50!

Just visit our store, fill up your cart, and enter the code SHIP4FREE before checkout. (U.S. and Canada orders only. Sale ends November 22nd at 11:59pm Eastern... READ ON

Act Quick: Chicago Trivia Show tickets are moving fast!

Hey, Chicago Flossers: Just a quick reminder that we're bringing the (not yet) award-winning Mental Floss Trivia Show to the wonderful Goose Island Wrigleyville on Nov. 21st. Tickets are just $10 when you purchase them online , and we're donating all proceeds to 2 local incredible local charities-- the Gads Hill New Horizons mentoring program, and the Better Tomorrow Education Fund. So, if you like trivia, drinking and winning stuff (we've got Kodak, Hannspree, Warner Brothers Home Video, Goose Island and... READ ON

Our Biggest Sale of the Year Ends Tonight!

The early bird gets big savings in the mental_floss store. This week, practically everything is 20% off — t-shirts, Law School in a Box, Split Decision, Freudian Slippers, and lots more. Something for everyone! After you've filled up your cart, use the coupon code EARLYBIRD to get the discount. But hurry! Do your shopping now because this offer ends tonight at 11:59pm Eastern Time. (Discount code not applicable to package deals, subscriptions and outlet... READ ON

Greatest Facts Contest: The Winners!

We've just been handed an envelope that contains the results of our Greatest Facts contest that coincided with the release of our new American History book. The winners are... 1) The U.S. Army suffered its worst defeat in 1791 on the Wabash River to a confederation of Eastern Woodlands tribes under Miami Chief Little Turtle. General Arthur St. Clair's force suffered nearly 900 casualties out of 1400 men, effectively wiping out 25% of the standing army at the time. (Submitted by Ross G. Shaw) * 2)... READ ON

Attention: Chicago Flossers!

People of... READ ON

Greatest Facts Contest Extended Through Sunday

We're on the hunt for the Greatest Facts in American History, and we're giving away $1000 in prizes in the hopes you'll help us find it! Did you know that: Growing up, George Washington celebrated his birthdate as February 11, 1733. But when British colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthdate was recalculated to the 22nd? Or that until coffee gained popularity, beer was the breakfast beverage of choice in most urban areas of the United States? (Not that we’re endorsing that!)... READ ON

Last Chance to Get 3 Free Issues of mental_floss When You Pre-Order Our New Book!

It's smarter than your old history teacher, funnier than the founding fathers and more American than Betty Crocker cradling an apple... READ ON

Win $100 with our America’s Greatest Facts Contest!

This month Mental Floss is releasing our brand new book, The Mental Floss History of the United States. (In fact, if you pre-order the book before October 5th, we’ll give you 3 free issues of the magazine!) In our hunt for great history, we can’t stop spouting facts, including: - Growing up, George Washington celebrated his birthdate as February 11, 1733. But when British colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthdate was recalculated to the 22nd. - Until coffee gained... READ ON

Popular on Mentalfloss