

Jake Rossen
Joined: May 6, 2013
Jake Rossen is a senior staff writer for Mental Floss.


'The Offer': Did the Mob Really Make 'The Godfather' Producers Remove the Word 'Mafia' From the Script?

Viewer Beware: A New 'Stranger Things' Monopoly Game Spoils the Upcoming Fourth Season

Sell-Shocked: The Pyramid Schemer Who Convinced His Targets to Climb Into Coffins
'It Tastes Like a Crayola': When Pepsi Went Blue
In 2002, Pepsi asked teens what they wanted out of a cola. Then the company actually acted on their advice.
12 Novels That Won Both the Hugo and Nebula Awards
These 12 classic and contemporary titles doubled up on awards recognition--all the better to stake their claim on your nightstand.
Cheesegate: Why a Lawsuit Prompted McDonald's to Discontinue Its Mozzarella Sticks
The cheesy treats made their debut in 2016 but were quickly under fire for using "adulterated" mozzarella.
What Are Those Round Metal Things Doctors Wear on Their Heads?
It's a favorite accessory of doctors in movies, television, and Spirit Halloween stores. But what does it do?
8 Things You Might Not Know About 'The Joy Luck Club'
Amy Tan's 1989 book represented a breakthrough for Chinese-American representation in popular culture.
Yes, Frank Sinatra and Mario Puzo Really Did Get Into a Fight Over 'The Godfather'
Sinatra promised to "beat the hell" out of the novelist for creating a character based on him.
There's a Total Blood Moon Eclipse Happening This Weekend—Here's How to See It
You can see a moon right out of a sci-fi novel. No special equipment needed.
The Real Story of 'The Offer': When the Mob Protested 'The Godfather'
Before filming on 'The Godfather' began, men with ties to organized crime made it clear that Paramount would need to meet certain demands—or else.
ENTERTAINMENT
Time to Turn It Up to 12: A 'This Is Spinal Tap' Sequel Is Coming
England's greatest fake band is reuniting for a real sequel.
ART
Andy Warhol's Portrait of Marilyn Monroe Sells for $195 Million, Setting an Auction Record for an American Artist
The painting is notable both for being a Warhol and for being part of a series that a studio visitor once shot at with a gun.
HISTORY
'I'll Have the Kangaroo Stew': When Paris Was Forced to Eat Its Zoos
For Christmas dinner in 1870, Paris restaurant Voisin publicized a menu that featured kangaroo stew, elephant stock, stuffed donkey head, and bear chops.
ENTERTAINMENT
The 20 Best Movies Streaming on HBO Max Right Now
Once you've made your way through HBO Max's massive library of top-tier TV series, take a look at some of the best movies currently streaming on the service.