Ethan Trex
Joined: Nov 21, 2012
Ethan was the Editorial Director/VP, Strategy at mental_floss. Likes: doughnuts, spirits (liquor), spirits (supernatural), donuts. Dislikes: injuries.
A Brief History of Eggnog
Why Do the Lions and Cowboys Always Play on Thanksgiving?
How 8 Vice Presidents Made a Living After Leaving Office
10 Sports Cut From The Olympics
If you’re looking forward to polo and tug of war at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, we have bad news for you.
A Brief History of Black Friday
It’s the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, but where did this tradition start? And just how big is it?
10 Questions About the Kentucky Derby, Answered
Put on a fancy hat, grab a mint julep, and become the best-informed person at your Derby party.
How Smokey Bear Helped Win World War II
Smokey Bear’s first ad slogan wasn’t quite as catchy as “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.”
Why Are Michigan’s Bottle Deposits So High?
Michigan maintains one of the most successful bottle return programs in America.
The Origins of 7 Common Units of Measurement
Ever wonder why there are 5280 feet in a mile?
The Surprisingly Interesting History of Margarine
A look at the fascinating origins of margarine, the popular butter substitute, and the dairy lobby's attempts to defeat it.
Can You Really Go Blind Staring at a Solar Eclipse?
Total solar eclipse mania is gripping the United States. Should the wide-eyed and unprotected hazard a peek at this rare phenomenon?
The Not-So-Glamorous Early Jobs of 23 Famous People
Lots of wildly successful celebrities have had some strange jobs before hitting it big.
Henry Ford's Attempt to Make Us All Pilots
"Mark my words: a combination airplane and motorcar is coming. You may smile, but it will come."
The Fascinating Stories Behind 15 Celebrity Stage Names
From Snoop Dogg to Brie Larson, here's how 15 public figures came up with new names.
8 Sparkling Facts About Champagne
As midnight approaches on December 31, more than a few of us will pop open a bottle or two of champagne to help ring in the New Year. Here are a few nuggets you can share with fellow revelers.