Mental Floss: List Show

Scatterbrained is a new trivia show in which different hosts do a deep dive into one topic. Today, we're learning all about the Olympics - from the marathon to the Olympic Village to Cool Runnings.

Scatterbrained is a new trivia show in which different hosts do a deep dive into one topic. Today, we're learning all about Valentine's Day - from love celebrations around the world to some of nature's most devoted pairs!

Today, we're learning all about Sesame Street - from the muppets who star in the show to the humans who created them!

On today's episode of Scatterbrained, we're talking about language! We travel to Monrovia, Liberia where we meet an infamous polyglot who may not know how to speak over fifty languages after all. Then we remind you of some easy-to-forget English rules, like when to use who vs. whom and the true definition of irony. We figure out how to get a word in the dictionary. Then you learn little-known words that describe language. Finally, we head to James Cameron's world of Pandora to get the backstory on Na'vi in the film Avatar.

On today's episode of Scatterbrained, we head to the mall! First, we learn about Victor Gruen, who's largely considered the inventor of the modern shopping mall. Then we take you everywhere from Macy's to Sears with facts about department stores. There's a timeline detailing the history of the mall that goes all the way back to the Agora in Athens. We learn the secrets of mall Santas, from salaries to job prep requirements. And we finish up with life hacks for your mall parking needs!

We kick off today's episode of Scatterbrained with a timeline of how coffee gets grown and produced. Then, John Green tests coffee life hacks from the Internet, involving everything from coffee ice cubes to a recipe for creamer. We learn some history with the origins of coffee drink names and the old coffeehouses of England. Finally, a scientific study about caffeine shows us the best way to study seahorse pictures.

In today's episode of Scatterbrained, we travel back in time to Hollywood in the 1920s through 60s! First, we learn the story of Clara Bow who was blackmailed by her personal assistant before quitting Hollywood for good. Then, there are quick facts about Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, and more famous women. We answer the question of how paparazzi became a job. Many Marilyn Monroe misconceptions and misquotations get corrected. Finally, we learn about Hattie McDaniel's mysterious missing Oscar.

In today's episode of Scatterbrained, we're talking Mother's Day! We first learn about a scientific study in which moms watched their teens play a driving game, which had an interesting impact on their risk-taking behavior. Then we switch over to TV moms, like Lorelai Gilmore and Marge Simpson, with a bunch of quick facts. We explore the unique habits of moms from the animal kingdom. And of course, we learn the history of Mother's Day itself. Finally, we help you pick out Mother's Day flowers.

Today on Scatterbrained, we learn about dogs! First, there are some interesting dog breed name origins. Then, we focus on bloodhounds and why they're so good at tracking criminals. We answer the question of how to get a breed in the American Kennel Club so they can compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We take you through the history and behind-the-scenes stories of the Puppy Bowl. And we talk about how dogs can smell fear.

On today's episode of Scatterbrained, we're celebrating summertime! There's a fact list all about your favorite treats like popsicles, s'mores and iced tea. John Green tests summer life hacks from the Internet. We go back in time to the origins of the state fair. Then, we learn about how SPF may make you stay in the sun longer.

On today's episode of Scatterbrained, we're getting futuristic! We learn some surprising facts about skyscrapers located everywhere from New York City to Shanghai. Our extensive history of robots will take you all the way back to ancient Babylonia. Then we jump ahead in time again to learn about Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada. Misconceptions about transportation get corrected. Finally, the shockingly huge Three Gorges Dam and its construction troubles.

Today on Scatterbrained: VEGAS. How do you pronounce Nevada anyway? Who designed the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign? Why were they called the Rat Pack? What are the biggest Vegas misconceptions? And how do you get better at gambling? We're learning it all!

Today on Scatterbrained, we kick off the episode with a scientific study about hibernation. We learn the history of the gummy bear. Then we move on to quick facts! Afterwards, we talk about the history of the Chicago Bears, which actually started in Decatur, Illinois. Then we finish up with a fact list of all kinds of fictional bears, from Berenstain to Bad News.

On today's episode of Scatterbrained, we're dialing up onto the 2000s Internet. Why did it make that weird beeping sound? You're about to find out! Our first short story examines a prominent case of file-sharing that originated with a Kazaa account. Then we look at the methodology of a scientific study all about getting emotional support from instant messaging. Our second short story takes us to Neopia with the history of Neopets, which surprisingly involved Scientologists. And we finish up with a fact list covering everything from Charlie the Unicorn to Xanga.

Today, we learn the history of school in the United States! Then, we get study tips straight from science. We take it back to the eighties to learn about a historic prank done by some MIT fraternity brothers at an Ivy League football game. We give you the scoop on why writing down your notes helps you retain the information. A few child prodigies are discussed. Finally, we answer the question: “Why do kids get summers off?” in this episode presented by the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds.

Today, we’re talking all about money! First, we have a short story about Peter the Eagle, who lived in a U.S. Mint. Then we answer the question: why do some coins have ridges on them? We learn some behind-the-scenes secrets of game shows.

Today, we’re learning about paper! First, we give some quick facts, including the origin of paper and paperback books. We do a deep dive into the cardboard box. Then, you get some Rock, Paper, Scissors tips so you can beat any future competitors. We answer the question, “What happens to paper after you recycle it?” Finally, we learn the best paper airplane tips in this episode presented by the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds.

Happy Halloween! Today we’re talking about whether people actually poison their neighbors with Halloween candy. Then we learn how trick-or-treaters can be used as participants in scientific studies. There’s a story about a British hoax way more effective than The War of the Worlds. And speaking of pop culture, Stephen King has some interesting inspirations in our Fact List. Finally, we answer the question: why do we like horror movies?

Today, science teaches us all we need to know about beer. Does it make us creative? Does it make us utilitarian? We also learn the history of light beer and facts about hops. And of course, there are beer life hacks! The best way to open a bottle!

Today, we learn why the ingredients found in Indian food make it such a unique (and yummy) cuisine. Then, we head to the kitchen for life hacks! We talk celebrity chefs: some of their best tips, then how their cooking shows are actually made.

SPACE! This week, we learn about failed attempts to explore planets like Venus and Mars. Then we talk about a fascinating twin study of American astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly. There’s a fact list of weird things that have been brought to space. We’re talking Yankee memorabilia and lots of Legos. And we wrap up looking ahead to the future of space travel: will astronauts be able to bake bread on board the ISS?

Happy Holidays! We start today with a short story all about how a couple of Dutch provinces had an extremely short holiday season in 1582. Then we take it to the White House to learn some long-standing holiday traditions. We discuss childhood memories and why they’re so … easy to forget. Finally, we answer the question: why do we sing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Years?