Jake Rossen

Jake Rossen is a senior staff writer for Mental Floss.

Buttergate Has Canadians Upset Over Their Buttery Spreads

Sticks of rubbery butter have prompted a flood of complaints from Canadians in recent weeks. There are theories, but no pat solution.... READ ON

The Reason You Should Never Spread Rock Salt on Concrete

Millions of people treat slippery surfaces with rock salt, but it can wind up doing your driveway a lot more harm than good.... READ ON

14 Secrets of McDonald's Employees

Employees of the famous fast food chain serve up details on fry burns, requests for grilled cheeses, and why they're not always happy about Happy Meals.... READ ON

The Reason Public Bathroom Stalls Have Gaps

The design of public restrooms guarantees you'll never be all that comfortable. Blame Frank Lloyd Wright.... READ ON

Take a Tour of 1967's House of the Future

Walter Cronkite hosted this 1967 special that imagined a home in 2001, complete with domestic robots, home offices, and edible food packaging.... READ ON

What Are Ice Volcanoes—and How Do They Form?

The peculiar mounds of ice that 'erupt' with water are popping up near the Great Lakes and as far away as Kazakhstan.... READ ON

All-Season Tires vs. Snow Tires: What's the Difference?

If you live in a snowy climate, investing in a set of snow tires can keep you on the road. Here's how.... READ ON

Each State's Favorite Comfort Food, Mapped

Different states have different appetites for comfort food, but in most places, grilled cheese remains king.... READ ON

The Best Movies On Disney+ Right Now

Fans of Disney’s extensive animation, Marvel, and Star Wars libraries already know about the wealth of content available for streaming on Disney+.... READ ON

6 Things Once Banned From the White House

George H.W. Bush despised broccoli so much, he had it banned from the White House and Air Force One during his presidency.... READ ON

Pigs Can Be Taught to Play Video Games

Researchers trained four pigs to move a cursor on a screen using a joystick for a food reward. The swine went full 'Pong.'... READ ON

The World's 20 Worst Cities for Rush Hour Traffic

If you think your city is the worst when it comes to gridlock, maybe you're right. Check out the 20 worst offenders of rush hour traffic.... READ ON

When 'Circus of the Stars' Ruled Primetime

The kitschy variety show 'Circus of the Stars' ran between 1977 and 1994 and featured celebrities like Emmanuel Lewis and Mario Lopez doing high-wire acts and taming tigers. Only one actor was bit.... READ ON

CDC Updates Mask Guidance, Recommends Tight and Layered Coverings

The CDC's studies show that the risk of transmission for the coronavirus is significantly reduced when two parties are both wearing fitted and layered masks, echoing earlier recommendations from experts.... READ ON

How Do Potholes Form?

Potholes are the bane of drivers everywhere. Unfortunately, not much can be done to prevent them from forming.... READ ON

Secrets of Comic Book Artists

Comics are the indispensable source material for a good portion of the entertainment industry. We asked a few artists for their perspectives on panels.... READ ON

A Collection of First Edition James Bond Books Is Selling for $600,000

The set of 14 first-edition James Bond novels features many signed by Ian Fleming himself as well as a copy of 'Field Guide to Birds of the West Indies,' written by ornithologist James Bond. (Really.)... READ ON

How One Movie Theater's Mistake Changed 'Blade Runner' Forever

'Blade Runner,' Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi classic, was met with a tepid reception by audiences and got throttled by 'E.T.' It wasn't until a mistake made at a revival house in 1990 that audiences saw the director's true intentions.... READ ON

The History of A-ha's "Take on Me"

The biggest hit that pop band a-ha ever had was actually a reworked idea. 'Take on Me' had failed three times before.... READ ON

This Han Solo Carbonite Coffee Table Can Be Yours for $7500

Space scoundrel Han Solo's freezer burn from 1980's 'The Empire Strikes Back' is now a piece of living room furniture.... READ ON

Why Do Quarterbacks Say 'Hut'?

American football is home to a lot of nonsensical terminology, but 'hut' has a fairly clear origin.... READ ON

Rent a Private Island in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park

West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park is home to a seven-acre island featuring a cozy three-bedroom cabin, three rivers, and tons of outdoor activities—with nary another soul in sight.... READ ON

Why February Was Chosen as Black History Month

Since 1976, Black History month has been celebrated in February and it's because of two specific dates on the calendar.... READ ON

Compostable vs. Biodegradable: What's the Difference?

Both kinds of products are good for the environment, but they have a few differences that are important to keep in mind.... READ ON

Surprising Facts About Christian Bale

Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale once endorsed Pac-Man cereal, proving that everyone has to start somewhere.... READ ON

12 Common Reasons Your Car Won't Start

Before you slam your head or hands on the wheel, take a look at these common reasons for an inoperable car and what you might be able to do about them.... READ ON

Does Double-Masking for Coronavirus Make Sense? We Asked an Expert

The practice of doubling up on masks has been gaining attention, but it's not new advice. An expert explains.... READ ON

Best Documentaries on Netflix Right Now

For the best documentaries, Netflix has no equal. Here are some of the most riveting films currently streaming.... READ ON

The Most Popular Movie the Year You Were Born

Some people keep newspapers from their year of birth. Other people will want to know if 'Boss Baby' sold the most tickets that year.... READ ON

Where Did the Phrase 'Fall Off the Wagon' Originate?

'Fall off the wagon,' which is typically used to describe someone who has begun drinking alcohol after a period of abstinence, does not actually involve anyone tumbling off a horse-drawn carriage.... READ ON

Panera Has Made a Bread Bowl Glove to Keep Hands Warm

The fast-casual restaurant chain has crafted a gluten-free mitten as part of its coffee subscription promotion. Knead we say more?... READ ON

Surprising Facts About Paul Newman

Actor Paul Newman became a salad dressing magnate and accomplished race car driver before he ever won his first Oscar.... READ ON

The Right Way to Clean Your Eyeglasses

Using your shirt to clean your eyeglasses may be convenient, but it's also ineffective and can damage your lenses. There's a better way.... READ ON

15 Secrets of Forensic Artists

Sometimes, a pencil is more effective than DNA at catching bad guys. Find out more about what it's like to be a forensic artist.... READ ON

Remembering the Bizarre Chocolate Soda Craze of the 1980s

In 1985, consumers couldn't get enough of a two-calorie carbonated soda that tasted like chocolate—so grocery stores had to ration it.... READ ON

Watch: The Concorde and Supersonic Flight Take Off in 1976

The Concorde shot through skies at 1495 mph—virtually the speed of a bullet—and could get people from San Francisco to Tokyo in six hours.... READ ON

The Best TV Shows on Netflix Right Now

From hilarious coming-of-age dramedies to reality shows that will soothe your soul, here are some of our favorite TV shows streaming on Netflix right now.... READ ON

The Reason Fire Trucks Have Chains Hanging From the Bottom

Like a cat on a perch, the chains on school buses and ambulances seem to dangle with no apparent purpose. Their true mission is actually pretty clever.... READ ON

When Abraham Lincoln Tried His Hand at Being a True Crime Writer

In another era, Abraham Lincoln could have made for a great 'Dateline NBC' producer. The future president once penned a true crime tale based on a murder case he worked on as a lawyer.... READ ON

The Best Horror Movies on Netflix

From diabolical serial killers to killer doll movies, these flicks are guaranteed to rattle your nerves—and are all just a click away on Netflix.... READ ON

Best TV Shows on Amazon Prime

From 'Wayne' to 'The Boys' to 'Fleabag,' Amazon's streaming service has something binge-worthy for every taste.... READ ON

The Ebony Anglers Are Changing the Face of Competitive Fishing

After noticing a lack of Black participants in North Carolina fishing tournaments, Gia Peebles decided to do something about it.... READ ON

ColdSnap Wants to Be the Keurig of Ice Cream for Your Countertop

The countertop ColdSnap can make soft-serve or regular ice cream from aluminum pods in under 90 seconds.... READ ON

8 Things You Might Not Know About Andrew Johnson

Abraham Lincoln's successor—and the first United States president to be impeached—liked to tend to a family of mice.... READ ON

Remembering Clara Peller, Wendy's 'Where's the Beef' Lady

In the 1980s, 83-year-old Clara Peller became a star after uttering her famous "Where's the beef?" line for Wendy's. But her decision to peddle spaghetti sauce ground that relationship to a halt.... READ ON

How Martial Artists Get Hit in the Crotch Without Getting Hurt

Ancient kung fu techniques seemingly allow experts to absorb groin strikes without flinching. Is it a trick, or are they just nuts?... READ ON

How Martin Luther King Jr. Kept 'Star Trek' Flying High

Civil rights activist and stealth Trekker Martin Luther King Jr. had an intense conversation with one of the show's main cast members in order to keep the series intact.... READ ON

U.S. Intelligence Agencies to Share Everything They Know About UFOs

A new omnibus spending bill includes a requirement for government agencies to disclose what they've learned about UFOs.... READ ON

Hit Songs Musicians Have Refused to Play

Owing to boredom, spite, or just plain artistic growth, some recording artists won't give audiences what they want.... READ ON

The Bedazzler: A Sparkling History

The Bedazzler—a rhinestone-stamping arts and crafts tool—promised to turn plain pairs of jeans into designer duds. If you squinted.... READ ON

Popular on Mentalfloss