29 Things That Will Make You Feel Better

[@hc6157]

4:46 it’s terrible that we lost him so suddenly last week. Rest in power, Grant

[@EMurph42]

What a shock that was! He was such a talented guy. It’s a huge loss. I’m still thinking about you Grant. Jesse Combs as well.

[@SleepFaster18]

It looks like you are getting a lot of teasing in the comments about the teleprompter issue. I want to be one of the positive ones saying THANK YOU for making it work however you can so that we have content to enjoy. Love the video!!

[@Bburr94]

Agreed. Thank you for the positivity!

[@MentalFloss]

YAY! It's honestly been a bit stressful-we knew the video wasn't looking its best, but wanted to honor our commitment to release new videos every Wednesday, especially at a time when people could use a fun distraction. Your positivity is seriously appreciated.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

The internet is often viscous and entitled. You did great and made a list that made me smile. So disregard the naysayers and thank you for encouraging content!

[@addison.maddison]

@@MentalFloss Ummm . . . since you don't do these videos live, or in one take (a la "1917"), why was a "teleprompter" (it looks more like you were looking at cue cards) needed?

[@addison.maddison]

@@MentalFloss Although it does make you look psychotic, which has entertainment value!

[@MentalFloss]

PS Erin didn't tell us, but we found out: IT'S HER BIRTHDAY TODAY! Please leave birthday wishes and/or links to cat videos below.

[@TitaniaBird]

Happy Level-Up Day, Erin!

[@Kajotex]

It must be hard to have your day on 01.04.. I only dodged it by a few hours. Happy birthday to you! :)

[@PheOfTheFae]

Happy birthday, Erin!

[@amandatarasevitsch3058]

Happy Birthday Erin!

[@movingforwardLDTH]

Happy, happy birthday 🎈🎉🎂!!!

[@crystalgomez1671]

The fact that she is looking above me is funny.

[@TheDeadmanTT]

Wow. Look at this freak everyone! Being able to have eye contact with people.

[@iandoesallthethings]

She probably couldn't get her hands on a proper teleprompter from home.

[@geebsterswats]

Yeah. Maybe put the prompter under the camera. I can see her brain through her nose...

[@ph43drus]

prompter op here, or at least I was when we did all get together for a job. Lacking a proper beam splitter, put the monitor either right beside or below the lens. yeah, her eye-line bugged me as well.

[@DoubleOhEA]

I felt like I should have put my eyes on the top of my head. Here's looking at you...

[@David.Harris]

Crazy how much of a difference a teleprompter makes.

[@angelique7618]

You always entertain, no matter what direction you are looking in. Doesn't change the interesting content you have for us. Thank you!

[@moustachemoe]

I was devastated when Grant Imahara passed away. I was always a big fan. I just watched this video and learned he was putting his skills to use helping people until the end. He was too good for this world.

[@CCHAWC717]

For everyone complaining about her looking above. It's likely she doesn't have a proper teleprompter system for home filming and has an iPad or something of the sort above the camera acting as the teleprompter. Btw, that Blockbuster VHS case makes me feel better.

[@MentalFloss]

Thanks, you got it. I'm quite optimistic subsequent videos will look better and better. It's a tough learning curve, especially without experience in that side of production, but we want to make the videos look as good as possible and share fun content with our audience. And lol @ the Blockbuster comment!

[@CyberwizardProductions]

That's fine, but she needs to put the thing she's using next to the camera she's using.

[@ThaBeatfreak1]

She couldn't have put the iPad closer to the camera, it looks like she put the Ipad on the ceiling .......wierdo!

[@darknagaadventures7884]

Great pivot you guys did to help people maintain sanity.

[@nancyswass119]

Awesome people aren't new. Just very rare. Who would've guessed that down to earth John brown HAS THE MEANS TO DO THAT? Good for him. Good for us. Thanks.

[@TheFinktron]

2 suggestions: 1. Center and lower the teleprompter, so it appears that you are looking at us. 2. Do an episode about all the interesting things on the bookshelves behind you. Also, happy, happy birthday!

[@AndrewPonti]

EKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEKEK is one of my favorite cat languages :D our longhaired tortie Jade does it all the time when she sees birds! Love seeing Pearl :)

[@monkey93xf]

Way to adapt! I appreciate your flexibility. Nice bookshelf arranging X]

[@ayyKatx]

@ everyone who doesn't know how teleprompters work: go scratch. @ Erin: You're doing amazing, sweetie. Happy belated birthday.

[@emilygaynier]

I knitted a tiny house. My SO and I are saving for a house, but we are still a long way off. So I knitted us a little home. It makes me smile C:

[@MentalFloss]

What?! Knitted tiny house? Anyway of sharing a link to a picture?

[@emilygaynier]

@@MentalFloss www.ravelry.com/projects/KnittedBumbleBee/knitted-miniature-house This is my tiny house!

[@MentalFloss]

Hey everyone, information available on the novel coronavirus continues to evolve. We said there was no evidence dogs and cats can spread COVID-19, but a subsequent (as-yet-un-peer-reviewed) study suggests cats *can* spread the virus to one another, at least. As with many things in this evolving situation, caution, ventilation, and social distancing are probably your best bets. You can read the WHO’s latest advice at www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus/

[@meajur]

I am here after Grant Imohara's death and you've made me sad.

[@rparl]

When I was a kid, I took the polio vaccine in a sugar cube at the Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley California.

[@scottibass]

Mount Tam is the birthplace of mountain biking

[@rparl]

@@scottibass Wow. I did not know that. I just knew that from the Mill Valley side, it looks like a sleeping lady, who is now sticking out her tongue.

[@Kelkatan]

I think you're doing an amazing job, Erin!

[@DJK3115]

Happy birthday Erin! 🙂

[@tinkerspell4850]

thanks for this moment of lightness and joy - and I'm sorry people are being assholes - it's obvious you need a teleprompter for this show, and you've done your best to make it work. Your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you.!

[@beardedroofer]

I'm a career roofer. We were shut down for a grand total of three weeks in the beginning of covid, then it rained.

[@ricksmith6637]

John green is a good person

[@ayodejiakinmusere9424]

Happy Belated Birthday Erin !!!!

[@Danielle-hr7hu]

Happy birthday Erin!

[@emfa06]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Happy things are so needed right now :)

[@bla2220]

Happy birthday!! 🎂

[@toveryonder1115]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ thank you for brightening my day🥰

[@BCxFOREVER]

You read and speak so well !! Loved this video !

[@IAmSweetPea]

Happy happy happiest birthday Erin!! Appreciate your time keeping us all entertained

[@camogrrl]

It’s her job. Can’t Imagine she would do it for free. Lol she’s not doing us a favour. She’s laughing all the way to greater Social, financial and sexual status just by reading out Merediths scripts.

[@MrNickrecht]

THANKS for posting!

[@joewilson5452]

I moved into a new apartment that previously had a large dog. The carpet had a really strong Frito smell even after it was cleaned twice. Now I know why.

[@lindatisue733]

In Stockholm Sweden, there are pigeons that use the subway to go from their home, Farstastrand, to the mall, Farsta centrum, where they get food. They teach their young, as they have been commuting for at least eleven years.

[@olivedrop]

Happy Birthday! So awesome to see my hometown Longview on one of your list! Yes we are squirrely town, each year we have a Squirrel festival and have 7 bridges total around town now! All praise the nut!

[@goldiebarofhyruchew7884]

GREAT VIDEO! don't care about the teleprompter. The content is more than enough to entertain ❤️❤️❤️🇵🇭

[@lisaahl2451]

Thank you for doing these videos ❤️

[@vickylikesthis]

Hey! My eyes are down here!

[@doddjustin]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!

[@PheOfTheFae]

I fully approve of the kitty snoopervisors in this video. :D

[@charliespinoza1966]

Thank you for making this video, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[@trevinbeattie4888]

Thank you for reminding me of the Flying Toasters Anthem! 😊 “Flying out of the sun The smell of toast is in the air When there's a job to be done The Flying Toasters will be there!”

[@dagnyjackson6381]

More Pearl, please. She’s adorable.

[@Hoshimaru57]

My cat chirps at the birds too! He’s the only one of the 5 cats we’ve had over my life to do so. I got so aggravated with “don’t touch your face” that at one point I took a handful of foam sanitizer and smeared it on my face to show my frustration. Burned the hell out of my skin and eyes, but I’d do it again.

[@MentalFloss]

Hahhaha oh no! This comment took a dangerous (but hilarious) turn. Stay safe-your bird-talking cat needs you!

[@marlar4267]

Why did it frustrate you badly enough to smear sanitizer your face?

[@meganbretbrunner2344]

Gotta love mental floss. Why aren't I subscribed already?

[@MrClawt]

Best movie collection in the background!

[@nikolausdeems1922]

MrClawt yes! CHUD!

[@SpyridonTheWonderWkr]

Wonderful job! Thanks so much!

[@jaysmok2893]

The baby Yoda but got me in the feels.

[@Simphiaa]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN 🎂🎉🎊🎁🎈🍰🌹 I hope you have a wonderful day and that you remain healthy 🌷

[@sciencenate]

Holy shot John Green is loaded!

[@lowstringc]

Nate Hill - maybe so, but he’s actually fundraising like a fiend to make this project work...

[@JamesCook-tj2fq]

She makes me smile. She is beautiful

[@blowinback_4209]

I feel I can see into your soul through your nose. Lol happy birthday

[@arrowghost]

Yellow is associated with happiness, Inside out Joy thanks you.

[@ThatWouldBeCareless]

Ahhh I love this, thank you!

[@XxFreako64xX]

Hey keep up the good work Mental Floss! I know it can be challenging having to change up everything during this time (cameras, laptops, cords, scripts, homes, lighting...etc..). Either way, you guys are doing great! Keep it up and thank you for all that you guys & gals, do!

[@MissLilyputt]

Happy birthday Erin!!!! PS - Pearl talking to the birds is adorable! I need more of Pearl talking to birds.

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Lovely stories, they have cheered me up. Good luck to John and his cause! And, of course, happy birthday Erin :)

[@chadowens8565]

The copy of C.H.U.D on the shelf behind you definitely made me feel much better 😁 Stay healthy 🙂

[@NobelNighthawk274]

its a lil weird that youre looking above me

[@AshleyLudlow]

Agreed. I think looking into the camera is what makes some KZbinrs seem so personable.

[@beckyb.1344]

I agree but chalking it up to home recording and grateful for the fun!

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

Makes you want to turn around to see what is so interesting. I'll just listen to this while watching the world reach 1 000 000 covid-19 cases.

[@lunacouer]

@@AshleyLudlow Yeah, but without the correct teleprompter setup, it's kinda hard.

[@MentalFloss]

@@lunacouer Exactly. We're working on refining our at-home filming process, but definitely appreciate the understanding while we work out the kinks!

[@arrowghost]

I miss John Green

[@LizzyMarieTina]

My senior year of marching Band someone spray painted a male appendage on our practice field. The teachers tried to cover it up with green pain but all the grass died so it was even worse. That came later in the week after a streaker ran by our practice.

[@DJK3115]

Loved this!

[@Danielle-hr7hu]

Perfect subject, thanks!

[@carlosg.garcia-ruiz3833]

Happy birthday! Blessings...

[@franciscamoena6666]

Haaaaaaappy birthday Erinnnnn!!!

[@rgbii2]

If you can, move the camera and laptop back away from you, then zoom in. This should lessen how noticeable it is you're looking above the lens.

[@keriezy]

Nice tip.

[@georgiaberg2331]

+

[@Theawesomersibling]

+

[@jimmysgameclips]

Happy Birthday Erin, and Erins cat assuming like I you don't know you pets birthday and thus celebrate it with yours. Two birthdays that's mad, how fun!

[@PatrickAllenNL]

She is really good at reading and talking! I bet this was all done in 1 take 😉

[@wenzdrone]

Thank you! 😁

[@JDshabbos]

Thank you guys for never forgetting to be awesome!! 😄

[@binary_terror2]

Thanks for the fun facts! The angle issue was a little odd, but understandable, and eventually I got used to it.

[@MentalFloss]

*Truly* appreciate the understanding (I don't know if you've heard, but the internet can be mean). Happy to report we just filmed our 2nd episode from home and I think it'll be much much better. Still some room for improvement, but I don't think it'll be as distracting!

[@Gfanucci]

@Mental Floss :: I listened 5 times but only heard “Keanu-thon” which doesn’t fit the context.

[@MentalFloss]

@@Gfanucci That was supposed to be "Keanu-sance" (i.e. a Keanu renaissance).

[@pvtpain66k]

She's looking over the camera, so we get a great view up her nose. Also, my response when you were talking about Apgar, the person, was "But APGAR is an acronym, how is it also her name...?"

[@artofjordanbray]

Aaaaah. SQUIRREL BRIDGE!!! ... That is cute sh*t

[@765respect]

My favorite heroes from last century are Winton and Salk. Neither get the praise they deserve. Winton was so brave facing the Nazis and saving as many innocent children he could from the horrors of the Nazis. Altruist Salk did not want the to patent his vaccine. He wanted it for all the world to have and be safe and saved from the horrors of polio. Instead of feasting on wealth, they chose to impact the world with their wealth of love and care.

I saw an article about how there are only a couple living iron lung users. They have a hard time finding replacement part for the machines.

[@kitgabriel7698]

These make me cry and im not sure why

[@happyfacefries]

Thank you for the wash your lyric website!!!

[@monkey93xf]

OMG more Pearl!

[@adamk8639]

Was the flying toaster song from After Dark the Ride of the Valkyries? It’s been probably at least 22 years since I’ve heard it.

[@private755]

Why is it so weird she’s looking up there. And that she’s speaking as if she’s looking at my face but.. I can’t watch this 😅

[@oglingling]

Rikachoo lol shes reading her lines

[@private755]

Lyndley Hillebrand I know but she’s pretending she’s not in how the lines are delivered 😅 plus the camera placement is so odd it really makes it stand out.

[@carolnorton2551]

@@private755, and leaves us looking up her nose.

[@phosphorus4]

Welp, things are LOOKIN' UP! Also smiling makes you happier!(As shown in Mind Field) Probably mostly?!?!??… "Run away!!!"

[@andrewgehl5913]

R.I.P Grant you will be missed

[@teemusid]

For years now, people have told me I'm sick. Maybe I should miss work for a couple of weeks. Yes, I work at an 'essential ' business. However, we're getting lots of people coming in to buy something that is decidedly inessential. BAD HUMANS! GO HOME! GET! GET OUTTA HERE! GO ON!

[@ralphhooker6019]

I get my trusted news from NPR and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

[@KerryHallPhD]

So nice

[@andrewgehl5913]

Pearl was talking to birds she was probably saying "once I get out of here you are a dead Birdy"

[@TheWilldrick]

Maybe lead with the bummer #28 next time and ramp up the "feel good" ones after that? idk, felt like a cold water bucket after all the good ones before it.

[@ThaBeatfreak1]

Omg why does she look like Ray charles , the cameras over here lady LMFAO🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Zerkbern]

How much do we need to donate to get you a proper prompter?

[@joshcouse7249]

Could anyone tell me what the Big Spring award is for in the top left of the background

[@kevinreese8224]

I’m cool with you looking like a blind person reading - it’s the 30th fun stress-relieving fact 👌🏽 😁

[@D5950-h]

Great vid thanks I will share it. I wish to point out though you're next video should have the camera higher so we can't see into your nose. Happy birthday

[@sklem3765]

2 cats is fine, 3 cats you're on the cusp, 4 cats= Crazy Cat Lady

[@TatianaBoshenka]

I maintain that you need double digits to qualify. I lost my crazy cat lady certification when I dropped below 10. Alas, now I'm down to only 5. 😢

[@bla2220]

You have one of my favorite books! T R

[@fw420]

I feel like I'm getting beaten down with words in a good way

[@dubya13207]

More yellow in my life? A great excuse to drink Mountain Dew more often!

[@Atanu]

Message for John Green re: 500 facts video. Here's a fun fact: You’re wrong as the deuce And you shouldn’t rejoice If you’re calling him Seuss. He pronounces it Soice! Thanks. Cheers.

[@subjectivistJ]

This is the first "talking head" video I've ever seen where 1) it's glaringly obvious that the speaker's gaze is directed off to the side instead of directly into the camera, and 2) I find myself unable to consistently pay full attention to the content because I'm constantly distracted by the speaker's nostrils! I've never once payed a second thought to any speaker's nostrils before, but her videos - just WOW. Between her off-gaze and her nostrils being so prominent/emphasized, it's almost as if she's tilting her head back. Maybe her script/cue-cards are actually UP and to the side. Weird, but that would explain it.

[@tenzhitihsien888]

I'm reminded of Sam & Max Hit the Road: "When you look up my nose do you like what you see?"

[@timhall3362]

HBD!!!

[@sussekind9717]

How overdue is that blockbuster video to your left? The bill has to be in the tens of thousands of dollars by now.

[@sominboy2757]

Unless the location in bend oregon wants her money i think shes good

[@sussekind9717]

@@sominboy2757 Actually, I have an old VCR in the kid's guest room, with a bunch of old VHS movies and about a dozen of them, are old Blockbuster or other rental movies of the day. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that could claim something like this.😁😝 No wonder they defunked. Sometimes, if I owed too much on a movie, I would just switch rental places. Yes, I'm old.

[@rocmage1366]

It's not a video, it is the Blockbuster video game. www.target.com/p/the-blockbuster-party-game/-/A-54397712