Erin McCarthy
Joined: Nov 21, 2012
Erin is the Editor-in-Chief of MentalFloss.com, host of The List Show and Throwback on YouTube, editor of Mental Floss's book The Curious Reader, and the creator, executive producer, and host of the History Vs. podcast. She joined Mental Floss in 2012. Previously, she covered everything from natural disasters to bridge engineering to the science behind sci-fi movies for Popular Mechanics magazine. Her work has appeared in O: The Oprah Magazine, Town and Country, Parents, and Esquire. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her karaoking, reading, or hanging out with her cats, Oliver and Pearl. She lives in New York.
Frost Bite: When Sub-Zero Temperatures Shattered an Antarctic Explorer’s Teeth
Does the Full Moon Really Make People Act Strangely?
5 Fascinating True Crime Books to Read, Recommended by Casey Sherman
What’s the Difference Between Frogs and Toads?
Are frogs and toads really that different? Get the facts on their appearance, habitats, and breeding habits and learn how to tell them apart.
Why Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?
Did pirates wear eye patches to see better in the dark? Find out the truth behind the iconic style choice.
30 Unusual Presidential Nicknames—And How They Were Acquired
From the obscure (“American Fabius") to the sports-related (“Barry O'Bomber”), here are just a few of the most colorful presidential nicknames.
12 Fascinating Facts about Vladimir Nabokov’s ‘Lolita’
Nabokov’s controversial 1955 novel, which was rejected by multiple American publishers, features multiple allusions to Edgar Allan Poe and references a real-life kidnapping.
10 Awesome MS-DOS Games You Can Play in Your Browser
The Internet Archive has more than 8500 MS-DOS games online, and they’re playable in nearly any browser. Prepare to kiss your free time goodbye.
Search of the Internet Revealed No Evidence of Time Travelers
The researchers analyzed search engines, search data, and social media in hopes of turning up evidence of time travelers.
25 Fascinating Facts About American Girl Dolls
Everyone thought Pleasant Rowland’s idea was terrible. Thankfully, she didn’t listen. Now there’s a new American Girl movie in development, making it the perfect time to read up on what you might not have known about these beloved dolls.
10 Great Gifts for Introverts
Your favorite homebody is sure to appreciate any of the gifts on this list.
What Does the Phrase ‘Talk Turkey’ Mean—And Where Did it Come From?
Before you talk turkey this Thanksgiving, find out what we know about the phrase’s meaning and origins.
47 Fun Facts About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Since the 1920s, Macy's has sent more than 90 versions of its famed Thanksgiving Day Parade down the streets of Manhattan.
35 Old-Timey Slang Terms for Informants
We’ve used the term ‘rat’ to refer to an informer since approximately 1910. But criminals have had many more names for snitches over the years.
Why Are Elections Held on Tuesdays?
There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.