In this episode of The History of Fun, Mental Floss producer and host Justin Dodd traces the topsy-turvy track of roller coaster history and explores the science behind being thrilled.

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Accuracy was important to the filmmakers behind the 'Black Panther' sequel—so much so that one visual effects artist was tasked with making sure the fish poop looked realistic.
Nobody will think you’re talking about baseball season, open season, or any other season. But why?
Get snowed in with the best books to read in winter, including “Snowblind” by Ragnar Jónasson, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” and other great reads.
Ralphie Parker's thirst for an air rifle was borne out of a real toy trend and a fake cowboy.
‘Elf,’ ‘A Christmas Story,’ and ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’ all made the list. So did ‘Die Hard.’
Looking to clear the air before a holiday get-together? This Blueair air purifier can help, and now it's on sale on Amazon.
In this episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd sheds some light on the prison system.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, bagpipes, and some of the world’s finest whiskies all hail from Scotland—but the country’s most lovable export might be the Scottish Fold Cat. (Sorry, Scottish Terriers.)
Scientists have finally visualized what happens when poo particles go airborne.
Charles Dickens appreciated a prize turkey as much as Ebenezer Scrooge did. And on Christmas Eve 1869, his was missing.
Myths about elves predate Christmas and Christianity itself.
"Carol of the Bells" was adapted from the Ukrainian composition “Shchedryk,” a New Year’s ballad that doubled as a cry for independence in the aftermath of World War I.
In this Christmas hidden object brainteaser, Hungarian artist Dudolf has concealed a single sheep amid a flock of Santas.
Jesus’s birthday is subject to interpretation, and there are plenty of intriguing theories to explain how we landed on December 25 to celebrate Christmas.
From pizzelle to vanillekipferl, cookies are an important part of holidays no matter where you celebrate.
The area remains a chilling reminder of nuclear disaster, while at the same time drawing thousands of tourists each year.
As ‘A Christmas Story’ has grown in popularity, so has one of its most recognizable props: the leg lamp, that glowing gam otherwise known as “a major award.”
Some holiday favorites are fun and festive. Others have an F-bomb count to rival 'Goodfellas.'