Mental Floss

VIDEO



A poster for Howard Thurston's magic show in 1908.

Learn how Harry Houdini betrayed his namesake, why people were wary of the cups and balls illusion, and more facts from the history of magic.

Ellen Gutoskey






An illustration of a woolly mammoth, blissfully unaware of its species impending doom.

How many ice ages have there been so far? The same number of ‘Ice Age’ movies that have been released. (Five.)

Ellen Gutoskey


Would you let this star-nosed mole touch you with its schnoz?

The ugliest animals ever, from the blobfish to the star-nosed mole, aren’t just hideous for no reason.

Ellen Gutoskey








The menu is a restaurant staple nowadays, but they haven't always been a part of dining out. From the Song dynasty in China to the first inns and taverns of France, the path toward the humble menu is a long and winding journey.

Michele Debczak


Chesnot/Getty Images

What if a company created a toy that was so psychologically addictive that when it stopped working, the kid started crying? That's Tamagotchi.

Jake Rossen




He may look fierce, but his name is probably "Ragnar the Snoring Softie" or something.

If all your Viking information comes from ‘Hägar the Horrible’ comics and the ‘Vikings’ TV show, you should probably watch this video.

Ellen Gutoskey