Jake Rossen

Joined: May 6, 2013

Jake Rossen is a senior staff writer for Mental Floss.

‘Kryptos’ has intrigued amateur and professional cryptographers alike.

The Artist Behind the CIA’s Famous “Kryptos” Puzzle Is Ready to Reveal the Solution—But There’s a Catch

How “We Built This City” Went From No. 1 Hit to “Worst Song Ever”

Recall Alert: Your Walmart Frozen Shrimp May Be Radioactive

When it comes to adult literacy, not all states are equal.

Mapped: The States With the Highest and Lowest Adult Literacy Rates

Egress windows are built for one very specific purpose: keeping you alive.

What’s an ‘Egress’ Window—And Why Is It Important?

Brushing up on some boring window terminology could mean the difference between life and death. (Seriously.)

‘Star Trek’ wasn't host to TV’s first interracial kiss, but it’s the one people tend to remember.

The ‘Star Trek’ Interracial Kiss That Made TV Executives Panic

William Shatner’s lip lock with Nichelle Nichols wasn't TV’s first interracial kiss, but it might have been the most controversial.

Fallout shelters experienced explosive growth the early 1960s.

The Brief, Terrifying Time Americans Went All In on Fallout Shelters

Fears of nuclear war led to a fleeting craze for fallout shelters stocked with crackers, body bags, and guns.

There’s a reason they’re not rectangular.

Why Are Airplane Windows Round?

Believe it or not, the shape of airplane window is a matter of life and death.

6 Common Misconceptions About Flying

We're nosediving into all things flight-related and debunking several widespread myths about the (very safe) mode of travel.

Don’t forget to empty your water bottle before you get to the airport security line.

The Real Reason You Can’t Bring Water Bottles Through Airport Security

A CIA official explains the 3-1-1 rule and the lasting influence of Operation Overt.

Conair Trimline Phone model HAC SW205 Ringing

Loud and Clear: When See-Through Telephones Ruled the ‘90s

The transparent novelty phones were a fixture in many a teenager's bedroom.

Palm coolers are a relatively new sports science innovation.

What Are Those Devices Basketball Players Are Holding on the Sidelines?

Athletes are embracing a new kind of performance enhancer.

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Arm Sleeves?

The sleeves might be performance enhancers. Or not.

How Do Contestants Collect Prizes on ‘The Price Is Right’?

Are there hidden costs attached to those big prizes? Turns out, all winners on "The Price is Right" are expected to pay up before taking possession of their prizes.

Love Is On the Air: How The Dating Game Changed Television

'The Dating Game,' a precursor to 'The Bachelor,' focused on love, not money, as the reward. Television hasn't been the same since.

‘Hollywood Squares’ has been on (and off) TV since 1966.

How ‘Hollywood Squares’ Popularized the Comedy Game Show

In an era of modest network programming, center square Paul Lynde dropped some seriously risqué material.