Meredith Danko
Joined: Aug 15, 2013
Former head writer of mental_floss on YouTube. Also writes for Crash Course and AFC Wimbly Wombly.
19 Retired NBA Mascots
The 15 States That Produce the Most Christmas Trees
What Do Referees Do Between Periods of a Game?
Can You Really Get Your Tongue Stuck to a Metal Pole?
As anyone who has seen ‘A Christmas Story’ knows, licking a cold metal object can be dangerous. Here’s why you should never stick your tongue to a metal pole in winter.
Why Do We Call Dogs Fido?
“Fido” is a name that has become synonymous with all things dog. But where did the name come from?
Why Do We Vote in November?
There were some very compelling reasons for choosing the first Tuesday in November as Election Day—at least, they were when that date was chosen.
40 Surprising Facts About ‘Friends’
In honor of its 30th anniversary, discover even more fun facts about NBC’s hit sitcom, ‘Friends,’ which helped turn its cast—including Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, and Courteney Cox—into household names.
11 of the Best Rest Stops in the U.S.
Hitting the road this summer? Consider putting one of these rest stops on your travel itinerary for when you need a break.
The Origins of 10 LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Many Pride flags have been created since Gilbert Baker made the first one in 1978. Here’s a rundown of the origins, evolution, and significance of just some of the LGBTQ+ Pride flags out there.
35 Lesser-Known Inventions of Famous Inventors
Henry Ford’s car made of soybeans and Thomas Edison’s ghost-detecting telephone are just two little-known creations of history’s most famous inventors.
22 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Gilmore Girls’
The fast talking, coffee-loving mother-daughter duo became a pop culture sensation when 'Gilmore Girls' premiered in the early 2000s.
31 Fascinating Facts About Sharks
Whether you’re a ‘Jaws’ fanatic or just want to live every week like it’s Shark Week, you'll want to read up on these fascinating facts about sharks.
30 Strange Old-Timey Medical Treatments
From curing rabies with raw veal to using a red-hot poker to prevent nosebleeds, these treatments of old will make you especially thankful for science and modern medicine.
10 Misconceptions About Things That Can Kill You
From quicksand to free-falling elevators, these situations call for clear thinking.
32 Fascinating Harry Potter Word Etymologies
Do you know the meaning behind Harry Potter spells like Expelliarmus and Wingardium Leviosa? How about where Dumbledore’s name comes from, or the debated etymology of horcrux?