Mental Floss

LISTS

Edward Gorey.

‘The Gashlycrumb Tinies’ author was born 100 years ago on February 22—here’s what you need to know about him, from what classic book he found boring to how much he really helped with PBS’s show ‘Mystery!’

Lorna Wallace








An illustration of red blood cells.

George Washington died after his physician treated his sore throat with bloodletting, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the human circulatory system.

Autumn Spanne


Its value as the key that unlocked the meaning of Egyptian hieroglyphs is world-famous—but the turbulent history surrounding the Rosetta Stone’s discovery and translation is more obscure.

Jeff Wells




James Cowan Smith really wanted people at the National Gallery in Edinburgh to see this painting of his deceased dog, Callum.

People donate artwork, objects, and even money to the institution of their choice. But sometimes, museums and galleries wind up receiving something odd—or something fairly normal, but with strange stipulations attached.

Jane Alexander


Lukas Haas, Kelly McGillis, Brent Jennings, and Harrison Ford in ‘Witness.’

Roger Ebert loved Peter Weir’s film, calling it “an electrifying and poignant love story” and “a thriller ... Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud to make.” ‘Witness’ turns 40 this year; here’s what you should know.

April Snellings


A scrimshaw jagging wheel/pie crimper made from a sperm whale tooth—just one example of an unusual love token from the days of yore.

In past centuries, you might have given your valentine a bent coin, jewelry made out of hair, or a carved whale tooth instead of a bouquet of roses.

Ben Gazur






Pee-wee Herman, circa 1995

In the summer of 1985, Paul Reubens introduced America’s youth—and millions of young-at-heart adults—to a new kind of comedy.

Jennifer M Wood