Random Thoughts from a Large Head

It’s not often that I get excited enough about something to share it with the world. I’ve come across something I need to tell you about, dear reader.

If you haven’t heard of the magazine mental_floss, then you are like I was three weeks ago. My how things have changed in my world since Kevin Smokler opened my eyes to the greatness I was missing.

In their own words, mental_floss is “dedicated to helping time-starved people feel smart again by blurring the lines between education and entertainment. It’s published bi-monthly and contains everything you should have learned in school – but didn’t!”

In other words, it is chock full of interesting tidbits and trivia that stimulate your brain, pique your interest, and give you interesting factoids to bandy about at your next cocktail party. All that, and it’s written in a quirky style.

In the current issue, they look at misunderstood lyrics, science experiments that went wrong but oh-so right, and how different cultures around the world celebrate life milestones.

I’ve been reading this magazine for a week now, and I have yet to finish it. It is so full of information that I can only read about 4 pages a night before my brain tells me, “ENOUGH KNOWLEDGE! Where is the crappy romance?”

Just last night, I learned that the X Y (see comments) chromosome carries less information than the Y X, which is how X Y-bearing sperm are able to swim faster, leading to more boys being born. Did you know that? I did not. But now I do, thanks to mental_floss.

OK, enough selling. I’ll quit pushing mental_floss magazine on you. Now I’ll tell you about mental_floss, the book!

From the writers of mental_floss comes Condensed Knowledge, a “deliciously irreverent guide to feeling smart again”. I’ve got my hands on a copy and I can’t wait to start going through it (probably four pages at a time, until my brain gives).

Here’s what you must do: Buy mental_floss and Condensed Knowledge. Read them. Love them. Impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!