# Mental Floss - History, Trivia, Interesting Facts, and More > Markdown mirror of DialtoneApp's public top-site detail page for `mentalfloss.com`. URL: https://dialtoneapp.com/top-sites/mentalfloss.com/index.md Canonical HTML: https://dialtoneapp.com/top-sites/mentalfloss.com ## Summary - Domain: `mentalfloss.com` - Website: https://mentalfloss.com - Description: ai readable | score 20 | purchase read only - Label: ai_readable - Payment surface: Not available - Purchase boundary: read_only - Control boundary: unknown - Rank: 5133 ## robots ~~~text # Allow all search engines to crawl User-agent: * Allow: / # AI Crawlers User-agent: GPTBot Allow: / User-agent: OAI-SearchBot Allow: / User-agent: ChatGPT-User Allow: / User-agent: ClaudeBot Allow: / User-agent: Claude-Web Allow: / User-agent: PerplexityBot Allow: / User-agent: Google-Extended Allow: / # Disallow Parameters # GA traffic source parameters User-agent: * Disallow: */?*utm_source=* Disallow: */?*utm_campaign=* Disallow: */?*utm_medium=* Disallow: /*?source=* Disallow: */?*utm_content =* Disallow: */?*utm_newsbreak=* # Allow crawling ads User-agent: * allow: /ads.txt # Embedded widget parameters User-agent: * Disallow: *?embed* # Influencers/Affiliate Links parameters User-agent: * Disallow: */*a_aid=* Disallow: /*?partner=* # Experiments testing team User-agent: * Disallow: */*?mm-experiments=* # Search box param User-agent: * Disallow: /*?*s=* # Apps param User-agent: * Disallow: *?app=* # FB campaigns User-agent: * Disallow: *?fbclid=* # GEO targeting: User-agent: * Disallow: /*?setLocale=* Disallow: *?georedirect=* # Unknown Parameters User-agent: * Disallow: /*?term=* Disallow: *?ref=* Disallow: /*?view_source=* Disallow: /*?view_medium=* Disallow: /*?initialLeagueId=* # GA parameters - Generated from Google caching User-agent: * Disallow: *_ga_* Disallow: */?_gl=* # Generated from Voltax API url User-agent: * Disallow: */api/* # Voltax HTML Unknown crawled urls User-agent: * Disallow: */videos/undefinedc_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/undefined Disallow: */teams/mainNavigationChevron_icon.svg?* Disallow: */leagues/mainNavigationChevron_icon.svg?* Disallow: */undefinedc_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/undefined # Generated from 90min and TBL Monolith User-agent: * Disallow: */xposts/ Disallow: */reader/ Disallow: */embed/* Disallow: */ads/* Disallow: */editor/* Disallow: */posts/*/edit$ Disallow: */posts/*/publish$ Disallow: */singlepage/pipe/* Disallow: */singlepage/uncached_pipe/* Disallow: */singlepage/epipe/* Disallow: */reads/*/read$ Disallow: */embed_code Disallow: */matches/* Disallow: */es/partidos/* Disallow: */it/partite/* Disallow: */de/spiele/* Disallow: */zh-CN/* Disallow: */ping Disallow: */sessions/* Disallow: */admin/* Disallow: */management/* Disallow: */castr Disallow: */unfeature$ Disallow: */unfeature/* Disallow: */videos/* Disallow: */channels/videos/* # Generated from Mentalfloss WP and Drupal User-agent: * Disallow: /_partial/* Disallow: */amazingfactgenerator/* Disallow: /_modules/* Disallow: /subscribe/v3/* Disallow: /search/* Disallow: */file/* Disallow: */node/* Disallow: /sites/* Disallow: /longform/* Disallow: /blogs/* Disallow: */store/* Disallow: */us/* Disallow: */store/* Disallow: */us/* Disallow: */HDYK/* Disallow: /dist/* Disallow: */shopping/* Disallow: /trivia/* Disallow: /worksheets/* Disallow: /music/* Disallow: /magazine/* Disallow: /puzzle/* # Generated from Fansided WP User-agent: * Disallow: */files/* Disallow: */wp-admin/* Disallow: */?*utm_newsbreak=* Disallow: */?*utm_content =* Disallow: */wp-content/* Disallow: */wp-includes/* Disallow: */app/* Disallow: */embed_code* Disallow: */{{url/* Disallow: */v2/* #Social Media Robots User-agent: Twitterbot Allow:* User-agent: FacebookBot Allow:* # Sitemap XML User-agent: * Sitemap: https://www.mentalfloss.com/feed-sitemap.xml Sitemap: https://www.mentalfloss.com/news-sitemap.xml Sitemap: https://www.mentalfloss.com/sitemap.xml ~~~ ## llms ~~~text # Mental Floss > Founded in a Duke University dorm room in 2001, Mental Floss exists to answer life’s big questions, uncover fascinating facts, and surface stories so compelling that readers can’t help but share them. We empower the curious by making knowledge feel surprising and delightful. Mental Floss has won four Webby Awards (including a People’s Choice Webby in 2020), been nominated for an ASME award, and published 15 books, five board games, and a fact-of-the-day calendar. We reach millions of users per month across our site, social media accounts, and popular YouTube channel. ## About - [About Mental Floss](https://www.mentalfloss.com/about-us): About Mental Floss and our mission - [Contact Us](https://www.mentalfloss.com/contact-us): Contact Mental Floss ## Content Sections - [Amazing Facts](https://www.mentalfloss.com/amazingfactgenerator): Fascinating facts about the world - [Big Questions](https://www.mentalfloss.com/section/big-questions): Answers to life's big questions - [Entertainment](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment): Entertainment trivia and features - [Geography](https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography): Geography and travel features - [History](https://www.mentalfloss.com/history): Historical facts and stories - [Holidays](https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays): Holiday history and traditions - [Language](https://www.mentalfloss.com/language): Words, slang, and language facts - [Quizzes](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes): Trivia quizzes and brain teasers ## Latest Articles [5 of the Best Brunch Spots in America, According to Guy Fieri](https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/best-brunch-spots-in-america-guy-fieri): From dulce de leche pancake balls to fried chicken and waffles, these spots serve up brunches that even Guy Fieri can't refuse. [Meet Billy the Hippo: The Strangest Presidential Pet You’ve Never Heard Of](https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/presidents/billy-the-hippo-strangest-presidential-pet-never-heard-of): This president also had a black bear, two lion cubs, and a raccoon named Rebecca. [5 European Cities Everyone Is Visiting Instead Of Dubrovnik ](https://www.mentalfloss.com/wanderlust/geography/european-cities-to-visit-over-dubrovnik): Skip the crowds in Dubrovnik and discover five stunning European cities offering medieval old towns, coastal views, and fewer tourists—from Montenegro to Albania and beyond. [What Marie-Antoinette Really Shouted During The French Revolution (It Wasn't 'Let Them Eat Cake')](https://www.mentalfloss.com/history/misconceptions/what-marie-antoinette-really-shouted-french-revolution-let-them-eat-cake): History remembers her for a phrase that is pure fiction. [Shakespeare’s Lost London Home Was Hidden for 400 Years in Plain Sight](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/shakespeare-lost-london-home-hidden-400-years-plain-sight): Historians say the newly discovered location changes what we know about Shakespeare’s final years. [Songs From 2016 You Didn't Realize Turn 10 This Year](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/songs-turning-10-in-2026): From Rihanna's "Love on the Brain" to Billie Eilish's "Six Feet Under," all these songs came out a full decade ago. [Quiz: Can You Name the 10 Smallest States in Under 2 Minutes?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/name-10-smallest-states-2-minutes): Two minutes. 10 states. Go! [Quiz: Can You Name the ‘90s Cartoon By Its Main Character?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/movies-tv/name-90s-cartoon-main-character): How well do you know the cartoons of the 1990s? Can you figure them out based on just the names of the main characters? [5 Defining Dramatic Tropes That Started With Shakespeare](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/dramatic-tropes-that-started-with-shakespeare): From mistaken identity and dramatic irony to supernatural forces and tragic heroes, discover five defining Shakespearean tropes that still shape storytelling today. [What and When Is World Book Day? The Library-Friendly Holiday, Explained](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/books/world-book-day): World Book Day is April 23, the day William Shakespeare and a number of other famous authors died. Learn more about the history and origins of this literary celebration here. [Quiz: How Fast Can You Name the Plays of William Shakespeare?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/name-william-shakespeare-plays): You might know the classics, but how deep does your Shakespeare knowledge run? Take our quiz to test your knowledge of his plays. [‘Hamnet’ and the 5 Best Movies About William Shakespeare](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/hamnet-best-shakespeare-movies): If you loved ‘Hamnet,’ we recommend checking out these five other great films about William Shakespeare. [Quiz: Can You Name All 10 of These Shakespeare Characters?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/name-all-10-shakespeare-characters): This quiz gives a short description of different Shakespeare characters. Can you guess who each description belongs to? [What Inspired William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/authors/what-inspired-william-shakespeare-romeo-juliet): Did you know Shakespeare didn't come up with 'Romeo and Juliet' out of thin air? Find out where he got the idea! [5 Books About Mary Bennet, the Sidelined Sister in 'Pride and Prejudice'](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/books-about-mary-bennet-sister-pride-and-prejudice): Mary Bennet rarely takes center stage in 'Pride and Prejudice'—but these five books reimagine the quiet sister with romance, mystery, and fresh perspective. [5 Best Donut Shops in North America, According to Guy Fieri](https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/restaurants/best-donut-shops-guy-fieri): From maple-glazed creations to over-the-top filled pastries, these are five of the best donut shops in North America according to Guy Fieri. [7 Things Everyone Can Do to Help Fight Climate Change](https://www.mentalfloss.com/science/ecology/how-to-fight-climate-change): This Earth Day, learn more about how to protect our planet—and the people who live on it. [Why Do Phone Cameras Flip Images?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/technology/phones/why-phone-cameras-flip-images): Ever notice your phone camera flips selfies? Here’s why images appear mirrored, how front-facing cameras work, and what’s really happening behind the scenes. [Want to Read More? Try These 5 Tips](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/books/how-to-read-more): In honor of World Book Day, here are five ways to read more books that are sure to help you fall back in love with reading. [9 Wins for the Planet in 2026: Good Things Happening on Earth Day](https://www.mentalfloss.com/science/environment/wins-for-planet-2026-good-things-earth-day): Governments and communities are working together on practical environmental solutions. [10 Cases of "Twin Films"—Movies With the Same Premise Released Around the Same Time](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/twin-films-released-same-time): Hollywood has a habit of doubling up. Here are ten cases of “twin films,” where similar movies hit theaters within months of each other. [4 Surprising Benefits of "Forest Bathing," According to Science](https://www.mentalfloss.com/science/health/scientific-benefits-of-forest-bathing): Science says spending time with trees does more than just help you relax. From stress relief to better sleep, here are four surprising benefits of “forest bathing.” [6 Musicals That Put a Modern Spin on Shakespeare](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/theater/musicals-inspired-by-shakespeare-plays): These musicals inspired by Shakespeare imagine what would happen if Juliet didn't die, if "A Midsummer Night's Dream" took place in a nightclub, and more. ['This Is a Gardening Show' and 4 More Shows to Watch for Earth Day](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/tv/gardening-show-4-shows-watch-earth-day): From soil-saving tips and garden hacks to sustainable living, these shows make Earth Day binge-worthy. [10 Things From the 2000s That Are Now Collectible—and Valuable](https://www.mentalfloss.com/live-smarter/money/2000s-items-now-collectible): From iPods to Pokémon cards, these nostalgic items from the 2000s are now highly collectible—and in some cases, worth thousands today. [Why Is It Easier to Remember Faces Than Names?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/science/psychology/why-easier-remember-faces-than-names): There’s a specific scientific reason you recognize faces easily but struggle to recall names. [Quiz: Can You Name These ‘80s Movie Stars in 8 Minutes or Less?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/movies-tv/name-80s-stars-8-minutes-less): Let’s take a trip back to the 1980s where these movie stars were considered Hollywood royalty. Test your movie knowledge with our quiz! [4 Unsettling Theories About Edgar Allan Poe’s Death That Experts Still Can’t Explain](https://www.mentalfloss.com/literature/poetry/unsettling-theories-edgar-allan-poe-death-experts-can-t-explain): The bizarre events leading up to Edgar Allan Poe’s death continue to spark debate and speculation. [6 Facts About Climate Change](https://www.mentalfloss.com/science/climate-change/climate-change-facts): Climate change is here—but what does that actually mean? [The Beatles’ 5 Most Underrated Songs ](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/beatles-most-underrated-songs): You might not even have heard of the one Paul McCartney called his "favorite Beatles track." [Why Casinos Don’t Have Clocks—It May Not Be the Reason You’re Thinking](https://www.mentalfloss.com/random-facts/why-casinos-dont-have-clocks): Many casinos lack clocks. But is this really a strategic way to make gamblers lose track of time? [Quiz: How Quickly Can You Name the Disney Movie Title With One Typo?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/disney/name-movie-title-typo): You know all the titles—but how fast can you identify them with a typo? Take our Disney quiz to test your knowledge. ['The Mummy' Movies, Ranked From Least to Most Cursed](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/movies/the-mummy-movies-ranked): From 'The Mummy' (1932) to Lee Cronin's 2026 reboot, we rank the franchise from least to most cursed—using Rotten Tomatoes scores, rewatchability, and pure chaos. [8 Famous Albums Recorded in Less Than a Week](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/music/famous-albums-recorded-in-less-than-a-week): From the Beatles' debut to the album that transformed Bob Dylan's career, these albums were all recorded quickly—but remain immortal. [Flavortown Across America: An Interactive Map of Guy Fieri’s Restaurant Empire](https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/restaurants/flavortown-across-america-interactive-map-guy-fieri-restaurant-empire): Discover every Guy Fieri restaurant in the U.S. with this clickable map of burgers, BBQ, and beyond. [Quiz: Can You Match These ‘80s Sitcom Catchphrases to the TV Show?](https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/movies-tv/80s-sitcom-catchphrases): There were some excellent sitcoms from the 1980s, but how well do you know them? We have a quiz for you! [5 Luxury River Cruises That Double as Floating Hotels](https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/wanderlust/luxury-river-cruises-floating-hotels): From Egypt’s Nile to Portugal’s Douro, these five luxury river cruises deliver stunning views, immersive stops, and all the perks of a world-class hotel—just on the water. [The Best Disney Quiz Questions to Test If You’re a Real Fan](https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/disney/disney-quiz-trivia-questions): Think you know everything about Disney? Test your knowledge with these quiz questions. ## Sitemaps & Feeds - [Articles Sitemap](https://www.mentalfloss.com/articles-sitemap.xml): XML sitemap of all articles - [News Sitemap](https://www.mentalfloss.com/news-sitemap.xml): XML news sitemap for Google News - [RSS Feed](https://www.mentalfloss.com/feed): RSS feed of latest articles ## Optional - [Privacy Policy](https://www.minutemedia.com/policies/privacy-policy): Mental Floss privacy policy - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.minutemedia.com/policies/terms-and-conditions): Mental Floss terms and conditions ~~~ ## llms-full Not found.