Alvin Ward

Gear for a Backyard Movie Night

With a projector, popcorn machine, and a few other gadgets, you can build your own movie theater in your backyard.... READ ON

'Schitt's Creek' Funko Pops! Are Coming

The dysfunctional Rose family from 'Schitt's Creek' is being immortalized in Funko form, including a chase figure of David Rose in Amish garb.... READ ON

Amazing Facts About Game of Thrones

Unaired pilots. Actor switcheroos. Abandoned storylines. Internet spoilers. Divorce threats. The world behind-the-scenes of 'Game of Thrones' is just as intriguing as the series itself.... READ ON

Where's Waldo? Hiding Somewhere in This 1000-Piece Puzzle

The globe-trotting traveler is keeping a low profile in a massive dinosaur scene, if you consider wearing a red-and-white striped sweater keeping a low profile.... READ ON

Common Misconceptions About Books and Authors

In this episode of 'Misconceptions,' we explore the plot holes, incorrect quotes, and other mistaken beliefs that surround beloved books and writers.... READ ON

Terrible Parenting Tips from the 1800s

From baby cages to giving children opium-laced substances, here are some parenting tips from the 1800s you definitely want to avoid.... READ ON

Win Two Nintendo Switch Consoles

Find out how you can be in the running to win two Nintendo Switch consoles while also donating to coronavirus relief.... READ ON

A Super-Sized Harry Potter Funko Pop Is Coming Soon

The towering boy wizard stands at an impressive 18 inches tall, making him a formidable adversary for the 4-inch Voldemort.... READ ON

Throwback: The History of Sea-Monkeys

In the first edition of "Throwback," our all-new YouTube series, we take a deep dive into the bizarre history of Sea-Monkeys and Harold von Braunhut, the man who created them—then funneled the millions he made into illegal activities.... READ ON

Food History: Soul Food

In this episode of 'Food History,' we're taking a deep dive into the history of soul food with special guests Dr. Jessica B. Harris and chef Chris Scott.... READ ON

The Reason Toilet Paper Is Always White

Consumers are used to options, but with toilet paper, it's white or nothing. The reason why is a little messy.... READ ON

TV Shows That Will Engage Your Brain

Not all television needs to be an idle way to pass time. Check out some shows that challenge and reward your attention.... READ ON

Last Name Origins

'Smith' is an Old English name that was given to those who worked with metal. It's probably related to a word that meant "to strike." Where does your last name come from?... READ ON

Essential Spring Cleaning Products

Spring is officially here, so it’s time to start cleaning. Here are some items that will help you get that new-house smell.... READ ON

Everything New on Netflix in April 2020

More than 100 new titles are being added to Netflix in April, including 'Never Have I Ever,' a coming-of-age comedy series based on the life of Mindy Kaling.... READ ON

Tax Day for Americans Will Be July 15, 2020

On March 20, U.S. treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin announced via Twitter that Tax Day will be pushed back by three months—to July 15—amidst the coronavirus pandemic.... READ ON

'Friends' Reunion Has Been Delayed

Less than one month after it was confirmed that HBO Max would be airing a 'Friends' reunion, filming on the special has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.... READ ON

Facts About Millennials

In this edition of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief—and, yes, Millennial—Erin McCarthy is digging up 100 fascinating facts about her fellow Gen Y-ers, who have gotten a lot of flak for killing off everything from mayonnaise to Big Macs.... READ ON

Gifts for People Who Work from Home

Do you work from home? Here are some useful tools and products to help make your life a little easier.... READ ON

States With the Most UFO Sightings

Some states are more prone to UFO sightings than others. (Aliens aren't too fond of Texas, apparently.)... READ ON

The List Show: Overlooked Scientists You Should Know

In this episode of The List Show, join Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy as she delves into the important contributions made by scientists whose names you might not know—but should.... READ ON

Weird Laws You Might Have Broken

In this edition of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy digs into some of the strangest laws in America you've probably broken—like why you can't eat fried chicken with a knife and fork in Gainesville, Georgia.... READ ON

Confuse Your Friends With an Upside Down Wine Glass

If you are looking for a new way to confuse your friends and drink your wine, give this upside down glass a try.... READ ON

Most Profitable Movies Based on Return on Investment

The recipe for a successful movie is rather simple: small budget + massive ticket sales = huge profit. Perfecting it is not.... READ ON

How to Make the Greatest Grilled Cheese Sandwich

"Kids Vs. Science" is a new show from Mental Floss where we challenge a team of experts to complete a seemingly simple task—and compete against a group of kids to see who emerges victorious. Who will make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich? Watch the full episode to find out.... READ ON

Happy Little Squeeze: Cuddle Up With This Bob Ross Plush

The beloved PBS painter who brought the joy of painting to millions is now in 10-inch plush doll form.... READ ON

Weird Predictions About the 21st Century

Nikola Tesla may be considered one of history's most brilliant minds, but he didn't know what he was talking about when he predicted that coffee-drinking would become a thing of the past by the 21st century. In this edition of "The List Show," editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy digs up 25 bold predictions from the past.... READ ON

Mental Floss 'The List Show' Audience Questions

The latest edition of 'The List Show' is getting meta as Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy answers more than a dozen reader questions, including: What happened to John Green?... READ ON

Best Cities for Reducing Stress

Looking to reduce your stress level? You might want to consider a permanent change of scenery—and the west coast is looking particularly good.... READ ON

Best U.S. States to Retire 2020

Personal finance website WalletHub crunched the numbers on all 50 states to come up with an official ranking on the best (and worst) states to retire in 2020.... READ ON

Weird Clubs That Actually Exist

In our latest edition of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy hunts down the world's most unusual clubs. (Extreme Ironing Bureau, anyone?)... READ ON

How to Make the Ultimate Paper Airplane

"Kids Vs. Science" is a new show where a team of experts go head-to-head against a group of kids to take on a simple childhood activity. Our first challenge? Building the perfect paper airplane.... READ ON

Weird Holidays To Celebrate in 2020

In this edition of "The List Show," Mental Floss Editor-in-Chief Erin McCarthy is traveling the world to celebrate more than a dozen bizarre holidays you probably didn't know existed.... READ ON

Baby Yoda Facts

The irresistibly precocious Star Wars puppet has taken the internet by storm. Here's what we know, and what we don't.... READ ON

Most Popular Stories 2019

Mental Floss readers are a curious bunch, as evidenced by their favorite stories of 2019—which covered everything from how much those Beanie Babies gathering dust in your attic might be worth to the life of Rosa Parks.... READ ON

Facts We Learned in 2019

From science to literature, 2019 was a year full of amazing discoveries. In this edition of "The List Show," editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy is sharing 100 of the most interesting facts we've learned over the past 12 months.... READ ON

Most Popular Cat Names 2019

Americans love cats: There are an estimated 94 million of them living in households nationwide. And it turns out that a lot of them are named Luna.... READ ON

Why Thousands of 'Penis Fish' Washed Up on a California Beach

'Urechis caupo' bears a striking resemblance to a specific part of male human anatomy, but the species is usually hidden underground. Something brought them to the surface.... READ ON

New Netflix Titles January 2020

The new year will bring a host of new movies and series—plus new seasons of shows you already love—to Netflix. Here's every new title making its way to Netflix in January.... READ ON

Facts About Fossils

Editor-in-Chief Erin McCarthy explains the ins and outs of excavation, fossil follies (extinct giants was a big miss), and the terrorizing prospect of a 3-foot-tall parrot.... READ ON

Most Popular Dog Names 2019

Your dog may be one of a kind, but their name could be a different story—especially if your very good girl or boy is named Bella or Max.... READ ON

Online Shopping Facts

In the latest episode of Scatterbrained, presented by Discover, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy and friends uncover some of the most peculiar online purchases (haunted canes), how to find online deals, and the first time anything was purchased online.... READ ON

Thanksgiving Myths Debunked

In this edition of 'The List Show,' Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy offers a primer on fowl fallacies like presidential turkey pardons, tryptophan-induced naps, and the mysteries of canned pumpkin.... READ ON

Gifts for Retro Gaming Fans

Level up the retro gaming fan on your list with one of these gifts that's sure to conjure up memories of classic pixels.... READ ON

Gift Ideas for the Home Improvement Guru

Buying for a DIY enthusiast doesn't have to be hard. Check out some gift suggestions for someone who likes working with their hands.... READ ON

Everything You Need To Know About Weddings

In the latest episode of Scatterbrained, presented by Discover, editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy and friends will take you for a stroll down the aisle as we take a look at the history of swearing one's eternal devotion to a partner before you realize they snore.... READ ON

'Doctor Sleep' Movie Trailer Trivia

How would you like a few fun facts with your movie trailer? Mental Floss's new "Trailer Trivia" feature takes you behind-the-scenes of your favorite movies. This week's film: 'The Shining' sequel 'Doctor Sleep.'... READ ON

Tim Burton's 'Batman' LEGO Batmobile

The iconic Bat vehicle is getting the deluxe LEGO treatment with a 3306-piece set for the film's 30th anniversary.... READ ON

Online Courses You Can Take in November 2019

Take advantage of some chilly weather to stay indoors and complete a series of exciting online courses that will keep you warm and busy all season long.... READ ON

Gifts That Don't Require Wrapping

Not all gifts require an elaborate and time-consuming wrap job. Take a look at 11 options you can hand off when you're in a hurry.... READ ON

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