Jake Rossen
Mental Floss
United States
Contact Jake
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
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Past articles by Jake:
How 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' Made Oscars History—and Where It Fell Short
First Best Picture winner to feature hot dog fingers: check. → Read More
Bob Odenkirk is Starring in 'The Room’ Remake for a Good Cause
The ‘Better Call Saul’ star has agreed to play Johnny in a re-imagining of the infamous 2003 film. → Read More
‘Clap On ... Clap Off!’ The Clapper Sensation of the ’80s
The device that could turn TVs and lights on with a couple of claps became a pop culture sensation, even though its makers worried people would associate it with venereal disease. → Read More
Can You Really Laugh Yourself to Death?
In 1975, a woman found her husband dead in a chair after watching a BBC sitcom. He had been laughing for almost a half-hour. Was it merriment that killed him? → Read More
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' Named the Wordiest Show on TV
Wordiest, not weirdest. But probably that, too. → Read More
These Countries Offer the Highest Wages for 32 Common Occupations
Want to give yourself a 50 percent raise as a barista? Move to Switzerland. → Read More
Downsizing: The Shrinky Dinks Phenomenon of the ’70s and ’80s
In 1973 Wisconsin, two Cub Scout leaders discovered a neat trick involving heated plastic. A classic toy was born. → Read More
Someone Accidentally Knocked Over a $42,000 Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Sculpture, and Now Collectors Want the Shards
A $42,000 limited-edition Jeff Koons sculpture came crashing to the ground in Miami, and the artist's fans want to pick up the pieces. → Read More
Come Fly Away: The 20 Most Popular Dream Jobs
What jobs do people fantasize about having? Think travel, medicine, and ... being a DJ. → Read More
Could Table Scraps Actually Be Good for Your Dog? New Research Says They Might
Throwing your puppy a little bit of steak may not be so bad after all. → Read More
Before You Agree to a Friendly ‘Favor’ Via Email, Beware This Phishing Scheme
A request for a gift card from a friend may not be from a friend at all. → Read More
7 Facts About Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'
The first collection of Holmes stories was unwelcome in the Soviet Union, which banned it for 'occultism.' → Read More
A Flight Attendant Explains the Clever Reason You Should Put One Shoe in Your Hotel Safe
It could be the sole reason you avoid hassle on your next trip. → Read More
'Please Tell Me Your Problem': Remembering ELIZA, the Pioneering '60s Chatbot
Before ChatGPT, a novel computer program by an MIT professor offered a virtual therapy session. → Read More
The 10 Worst Places to Go on a First Date, According to Daters
Going to a funeral is bad, but apparently not as bad as going to McDonald’s. → Read More
Want a Better View of the Screen? AMC Is Now Charging Moviegoers for Preferred Seats
Getting the best possible view of Channing Tatum’s abs is going to cost you. → Read More
Bye, Bye, Bradley: These 40 Once-Popular Baby Names Are Facing Extinction
It’s no longer a good time to name your kid Hugo. → Read More
Strangers with Candy: Delaware‘s Chocolate Box Murders of 1898
Mary Elizabeth Dunning thought a friend had sent her chocolates as a treat. Instead, they were a death sentence. → Read More
Here's How Much 20 Common Appliances Add to Your Electric Bill Each Month
It may be time to unplug a few things. → Read More
Here’s Why Companies Release Their Super Bowl Ads Early
Ads used to be cloaked in secrecy before the big game. A 2011 Star Wars spot changed all that. → Read More