seaottersoup Yup. Who wouldn't like to hear that. "Look at Kim Kardashian, who she is and what she stands for. Out of the 7 billion people on this planet you are exactly one better than her. One."
+John Green You've done it again! Initially I had no interest in first ladies. So I started this video as a "hard sell". But I quickly found the first ladies captivating and enjoyed it. Great job!
I remember my freshman year in high school, my world history teacher, Mr.Brunette showed us videos all the time. He made it clear that you were from Indianapolis and you're an author. I read tfios and looooved it. Then, the movie came out and I saw that my school name was in the movie everywhere! I love you soooooo much !
I'm giving a talk on First Ladies in a couple of weeks and you have shown me how to quickly give a quick tidbit on all of them before giving a more in depth talk on the eight or nine I've decided to highlight. Great job and thanks for sharing.
the only thing of interest happening on July 4th for me is prom. Which is probably going to be very british seeing how its James Bond themed. So um... yeah.
And yet I'm not surprised. The president that the GOP admires more than anyone (even if they admire a fictionalised version of him in which he embodied all the things they want now, which he absolutely didn't) was a senile nut job. Summarises that particular movement quite well.
***** Whats funny about it is the right claim to be hardcore Christians but they're republican go to man used astrology to run the country. Last time I checked, Christians don't believe in astrology and think it's devil worship.
FYI to people: Congress actually ruled it in favor of independence on July 2. But it was two days later, of course, that Congress then accepted Jefferson's declaration, explaining the vote two days before that really got fixed in the America's imagination as our birthday. July 2nd should be Independence Day.
More First Lady Facts: * The Grants were in Atlantic City when they heard about Lincoln's assassination. * Frances Cleveland was the first presidential widow to remarry.
Every time you say, "Thanks for watching Mental Floss..." I always hear, "Thanks for watching 'menopause....'" I haven't gone through menopause yet, but its reputation is making me glad I'm watching you and not it.
What a great and fantastic video on facts about the first ladies of the United States since I never even knew or had forgotten about several of the facts about them until seeing this video this afternoon. And I have a question to be used at the end of a future mentalfloss video with the World Cup coming to a close in a couple of days which is "What happens to the losing teams championship shirts?"
After Eleanor Roosevelt had 2 facts, I started to try to figure out which president would be skipped. There are only 44 presidents. I am not a smart man.
I think it's because Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms (in 1885-1889 and 1893-1897). But he's still counted twice. So the first lady was the same both times.
For about 20 years I portrayed Dolley Madison. Dolley was originally a Quaker, but when she married James Madison, she could no longer remain one. If only video had been a technology when she was first lady!!! Dolley really knew how to party and to truly create a bi-partisan atmosphere in the Executive Mansion (as it was then known). I could go on, but I fell in love with who Dolley was. She just had her birthday (May 21st, and I just had mine - May 25th). One of my favorite encounters as Dolley, was when I was visiting a middle school. One student raised his hand and asked why I didn't have any wrinkles if I was 200 years old. I spontaneously replied, "Because I iron them everyday!" That garnered a weird expression on the kid... Well you are certainly making history fun with this video. Just discovered you! Happy Fourth of July!
My potential question of the week: I used to have blonde hair as a toddler, but it went away as I grew older. Why did this happen, what causes it, and is there anything that will bring it back? Thanks for the great vids by the way!
My question is what's the story behind cellophane the bear? By the way, I really love this channel and want to thank you for all of the work you put into it. I'm really glad for you and all of the success your movie and books have been getting! May God bless you in all of your future endeavors and for right now just have a great day!
The story shown during the short film about Lady Bird Johnson, which I viewed at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Library in Austin, Texas: When Mrs. Johnson was a baby, her nurse (Alice something?) would say, "Ain't she just as pretty as a ladybird?" The nickname stuck, with her family shortening it to "Lady"... and then later, her husband would shorten the nickname to "Bird". If you were only mentioning the way the video didn't cover that particular First Lady's very interesting nickname (and how it became more common for her than her given name)... I just sort of figured that Mental Floss was going for the lesser known First Lady Facts, and that was done to great effect! For me, 'The Way Lady Bird Got Her Name' is very nearly one of those ingrained facts - like multiplication tables (I am a Texan and have seen the aforementioned short film more times than I can count). I had completely forgotten about the flight with Amelia Earheart, though. :)
FUN FACT! :D The declaration of independence wasn't actually signed on the 4th. It was in fact signed on the 2ed. However they took two days to go over the exact language of it. Making sure it was clear, readable, and anyone could understand it, but most importantly that it said exactly what they meant. No bullshit there. It was officially adopted on the 4th and put into action then, and that's why we celebrate our Independence on the 4th. So arguably, Mental Floss is just more historically accurate about their holidays than most people. :3
Yeah, you are historically accurate, but that's not the day we celebrate. It's sort of like how most theological historians agree that Jesus was not born on December 25, but that's the day we celebrate Christmas, anyway. (And that Christmas was just early Christians moving their holiday into a few different already existing winter solstice holidays, et al.) Anyway, what I'm saying is, a lot of people know that, already. Anyone who has taken 5th grade US History knows that. But the official holiday that is celebrated in the United States is July 4th. And they won't change it, now, because even though it's called Independence Day, it's become so synonymous with July 4th that many people even just say Happy 4th of July.
So, a question I wanted to ask for a while: Is Mental Floss associated with Brentalfloss in any way? Or is it just coincidence that the first half of both (Mental and Brental) rhyme and they both include 'floss' in the name?
Hi Mental Floss! I have a question: how do we know that the other half of the world is ahead of us and not actually behind? For example London is ahead of USA but how do we know it's ahead and not actually behind? Can is be scientifically proven?
Why does it always seem that, when you are finished shopping and ready to check out anywhere, EVERYONE is finished shopping & ready to check out at the same time
because people mostly come to the store after work so lines tend to be fairly solid from 4:30 to close. worked at a couple grocery stores back in the day.
There was a girl that sent a letter to the president when we were a in third grade and Michelle Obama wrote back. I don't remember what she said, other than it was by Michelle Obama
I can't believe John Green just said FDR was better than Teddy. FDR helped us out of the depression, yes, but he also tried hard to do shady things like pack the courts. He's a presidential representation of the 1920's, except he was president for most of the 1930's and 1940's.
Be nice on Franklin Pierce! Yes, he was weak and ineffective, but he also inherited a time-bomb of a situation. He was perhaps the wrong person for the task, but at an even wronger time. Like, the wrongest time.
John according to Forbes you are the 79th most powerful celebrity, congrats John you deserve it.
And the 80th is Kim Kardashian. Sort of puts the honour in perspective...
seaottersoup Yup. Who wouldn't like to hear that. "Look at Kim Kardashian, who she is and what she stands for. Out of the 7 billion people on this planet you are exactly one better than her. One."
seaottersoup Sorta puts who we choose to be influential into perspectve
Lol one makes bad books the other doesn't do anything
What makes sunrises and sunsets such beautiful colors?
Can't wait until we have enough fist gentlemen to make a list show about!!
+John Green You've done it again! Initially I had no interest in first ladies. So I started this video as a "hard sell". But I quickly found the first ladies captivating and enjoyed it. Great job!
I remember my freshman year in high school, my world history teacher, Mr.Brunette showed us videos all the time. He made it clear that you were from Indianapolis and you're an author. I read tfios and looooved it. Then, the movie came out and I saw that my school name was in the movie everywhere! I love you soooooo much !
I'm giving a talk on First Ladies in a couple of weeks and you have shown me how to quickly give a quick tidbit on all of them before giving a more in depth talk on the eight or nine I've decided to highlight. Great job and thanks for sharing.
Is the talk recorded/online anywhere?
@prnklinfierc No, it is just something that I do for local community groups in my town.
You guys are the BEST!
Great video, John! I love the book shelf background :3
The fact that Wilson was in the background made me so happy. #castaway
Hahaha!
Rei Ayanami as the username for the question at the end was the funniest part of this video. Evangelion reference FTW! Do a list on anime!
i like how this was uploaded on july 2nd, the actual day your supposed to celebrate.
the only thing of interest happening on July 4th for me is prom. Which is probably going to be very british seeing how its James Bond themed. So um... yeah.
Ummm, prom? School ended like a month ago why are you having prom?
Well over here in England (at least where I am, nottingham) june/july seems to be when all the schools proms are happening.
cobraninja97 the more you know.
U
Blaine Prchlik
R
The thing about Nancy Reagan essentially dictating to her husband based on astrology is galling and terrifying.
And yet I'm not surprised. The president that the GOP admires more than anyone (even if they admire a fictionalised version of him in which he embodied all the things they want now, which he absolutely didn't) was a senile nut job. Summarises that particular movement quite well.
It's also democrap propaganda.
exile1975 No, it's 100% true. Stop living in denial.
exile1975 You were 13 when he left office. You know nothing.
***** Whats funny about it is the right claim to be hardcore Christians but they're republican go to man used astrology to run the country. Last time I checked, Christians don't believe in astrology and think it's devil worship.
FYI to people: Congress actually ruled it in favor of independence on July 2. But it was two days later, of course, that Congress then accepted Jefferson's declaration, explaining the vote two days before that really got fixed in the America's imagination as our birthday. July 2nd should be Independence Day.
True, it does
***** only cause you're used to it, most likely.
In that case, happy real independence day! DFTBA
Wow, I've never met anyone else who knew this (excluding my dad cause he was the one to told me)
EchoEchoTimes2 My AP US History teacher in high school told us about it.
More First Lady Facts:
* The Grants were in Atlantic City when they heard about Lincoln's assassination.
* Frances Cleveland was the first presidential widow to remarry.
i really love this channel!
thank you for these amazing videos. ;)
Now I want my own shade of pink named after me. I had no idea our First Ladies were and are so very badass
Thanks for this, John! You seriously make my day all the time watching these videos I love them so much :)
This is a great show. I learn something new every time and are entertained
Come on John, we all know that Eleanor Roosevelt deserves at least 8 facts, or more deservingly, her own video.
Every time you say, "Thanks for watching Mental Floss..." I always hear, "Thanks for watching 'menopause....'"
I haven't gone through menopause yet, but its reputation is making me glad I'm watching you and not it.
What a great and fantastic video on facts about the first ladies of the United States since I never even knew or had forgotten about several of the facts about them until seeing this video this afternoon.
And I have a question to be used at the end of a future mentalfloss video with the World Cup coming to a close in a couple of days which is "What happens to the losing teams championship shirts?"
After Eleanor Roosevelt had 2 facts, I started to try to figure out which president would be skipped. There are only 44 presidents. I am not a smart man.
I think it's because Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms (in 1885-1889 and 1893-1897). But he's still counted twice. So the first lady was the same both times.
But that means that 2 First Ladies should of had 2 facts!
Also, John Tyler had two first ladies (facts 10 & 11)
Christine M I realize that. For some reason I was thinking there were 46 presidents.
The Bachelor President, James Buchanan (15)
You owe the Pork Chop Party Fund 25 cents for saying "Miss Piggy".
For about 20 years I portrayed Dolley Madison. Dolley was originally a Quaker, but when she married James Madison, she could no longer remain one. If only video had been a technology when she was first lady!!! Dolley really knew how to party and to truly create a bi-partisan atmosphere in the Executive Mansion (as it was then known). I could go on, but I fell in love with who Dolley was. She just had her birthday (May 21st, and I just had mine - May 25th).
One of my favorite encounters as Dolley, was when I was visiting a middle school. One student raised his hand and asked why I didn't have any wrinkles if I was 200 years old. I spontaneously replied, "Because I iron them everyday!" That garnered a weird expression on the kid...
Well you are certainly making history fun with this video. Just discovered you! Happy Fourth of July!
My potential question of the week: I used to have blonde hair as a toddler, but it went away as I grew older. Why did this happen, what causes it, and is there anything that will bring it back? Thanks for the great vids by the way!
Oh, come on, John! You love puns! XD
When you said "thank you for watching Mental Floss", it sounded like you said menopause.
I wish Hamilton had been president just so Eliza could be recognized more
I feel bad for Peggy...
yeah
It's the Reynolds Pamphlet! Have you read this?
Ah, Drat!! I forgot to be awesome.
Why do I always forget to be awesome?!
2:28 Hey, that pun was hystorical.
Very good programs I'm. Following this activity
Who put the Butter in Butterfly?
When was the very first clock (or time-keeping device) invented?
Thank you so much for making this video! First Ladies are often overlooked, and I love hearing more about them as individuals and as political actors.
pretty sure jackie deserved two facts or a whole video
The Libertauge made me forget which show I was watching for a second, I was totally ready to learn some history until I saw the salon again.
My dad's family is related to Mary Todd Lincoln. My grandmother inherited her spending habits.
I have a mind-blowing question I've always wanted answered: what causes some people to have dimples on their cheeks?
"Meredith… What'd I say about puns. I hate puns!"
-John Green in almost every Mental Floss video
My question is what's the story behind cellophane the bear?
By the way, I really love this channel and want to thank you for all of the work you put into it. I'm really glad for you and all of the success your movie and books have been getting! May God bless you in all of your future endeavors and for right now just have a great day!
Hit like purely for the line, "That's back when Congress did things."
Well, Eleanor Roosevelt is frickin' awesome!
Ronald Reagen. Donald was a typo in his yearbook
Mentioning Miss Piggy should've put a quarter in the staff pork chop party fund.
I was hoping someone else besides me noticed he mentioned Ms. Piggy's pink car and forgot to put a quarter towards the PPF.
6:40 - missed pig! Feed the staff porkchop party fund!
What about how First Lady Claudia Johnson came to be called "Lady Bird"?
The story shown during the short film about Lady Bird Johnson, which I viewed at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Library in Austin, Texas:
When Mrs. Johnson was a baby, her nurse (Alice something?) would say, "Ain't she just as pretty as a ladybird?" The nickname stuck, with her family shortening it to "Lady"... and then later, her husband would shorten the nickname to "Bird".
If you were only mentioning the way the video didn't cover that particular First Lady's very interesting nickname (and how it became more common for her than her given name)... I just sort of figured that Mental Floss was going for the lesser known First Lady Facts, and that was done to great effect! For me, 'The Way Lady Bird Got Her Name' is very nearly one of those ingrained facts - like multiplication tables (I am a Texan and have seen the aforementioned short film more times than I can count). I had completely forgotten about the flight with Amelia Earheart, though. :)
Alrighty then, here's my question: Does mentioning Miss Piggy's car not qualify for the quarter in the fund? 'Cause I think it should. Really.
You mentioned Miss Piggys car without a contribution to the star party pork chop fund.
I think you mean Valley Forge winter encampment, because Mount Vernon was their house.
Lol I love Meredith and her puns!
i now realize that mentalfoss updates every 3 weeks
Michelle Obama's, Eleanor Roosevelt's and Jackie Kennedy's facts made me smile :)
Thanks for telling me to be awesome. Ran out of it after work.
I have a mind blowing question: How can you blow someone's mind when it is airtight?
Fact # 9 is HILARIOUS!
umm... it's July 2nd
But they upload on Wednesday.
FUN FACT! :D
The declaration of independence wasn't actually signed on the 4th. It was in fact signed on the 2ed. However they took two days to go over the exact language of it. Making sure it was clear, readable, and anyone could understand it, but most importantly that it said exactly what they meant. No bullshit there.
It was officially adopted on the 4th and put into action then, and that's why we celebrate our Independence on the 4th.
So arguably, Mental Floss is just more historically accurate about their holidays than most people. :3
Randygandalf95 yes and it will be july the 4rd tommorow, Are you dizzy. So they'll upload on the 3rd
Randygandalf95 that still doesnt make it the 4th
Yeah, you are historically accurate, but that's not the day we celebrate. It's sort of like how most theological historians agree that Jesus was not born on December 25, but that's the day we celebrate Christmas, anyway. (And that Christmas was just early Christians moving their holiday into a few different already existing winter solstice holidays, et al.) Anyway, what I'm saying is, a lot of people know that, already. Anyone who has taken 5th grade US History knows that. But the official holiday that is celebrated in the United States is July 4th. And they won't change it, now, because even though it's called Independence Day, it's become so synonymous with July 4th that many people even just say Happy 4th of July.
I love all his channels and I an wondering what is the light at the center of our galaxy.
I would like to say happy birth day to my friend.
So, a question I wanted to ask for a while:
Is Mental Floss associated with Brentalfloss in any way? Or is it just coincidence that the first half of both (Mental and Brental) rhyme and they both include 'floss' in the name?
I love his eevie!
Why do sunburns peel/why is itchy a couple days after peeling?
"Next episode: 20 Misconceptions about sex"
Yay! We're going to get a visit from Lindsey =]
Also: Hehe... Misc-CONCEPTIONS about sex =P
I actually did know #1 because of my obsession with Liberty's Kids when I was little... #KnowledgeisPower
Its actually 3rd July right now
The quote about the Reagans' superstitions was featured in The Impossibility Principle by David Hand. Knew I'd seen it somewhere.
Mind blowing question - where did our association with the colour red being used to mean stop or danger and green being okay or go?
Hi Mental Floss! I have a question: how do we know that the other half of the world is ahead of us and not actually behind? For example London is ahead of USA but how do we know it's ahead and not actually behind? Can is be scientifically proven?
OMG when he said july 4th my heart froze- I thought I missed my interview!
Why does it always seem that, when you are finished shopping and ready to check out anywhere, EVERYONE is finished shopping & ready to check out at the same time
because people mostly come to the store after work so lines tend to be fairly solid from 4:30 to close.
worked at a couple grocery stores back in the day.
Why are you against puns?
puns are wonderful.
***** puns are punderful
Martin Schulkzkia That particular pun, however, was a pun-gently smelling excretion.
***** in my opinion, puns are PUNishing
Calvin coolman I'm starting to PUNder the reason I'm reading these silly comments. :P
Hahaha I only noticed now :'D that ball from the tom hanks movie where he's stuck on a desert island is in the backround! Randomest thing ever!
I am curiious; Doses the Columbia cylinder tube contain a Columbia cylinder?
What is the rarest spice on Earth?
It's July 4th already‽ My, how time flies...
There was a girl that sent a letter to the president when we were a in third grade and Michelle Obama wrote back. I don't remember what she said, other than it was by Michelle Obama
I doubt it was actually her...maybe a secretary
I love puns! Keep it up Meredith :)
Bess Truman is my spirit animal
I can't believe John Green just said FDR was better than Teddy. FDR helped us out of the depression, yes, but he also tried hard to do shady things like pack the courts. He's a presidential representation of the 1920's, except he was president for most of the 1930's and 1940's.
You still haven't answered my mind-blowing question:
Why are there two Dakotas?
Actually.. he already answered it :o
mentalfloss.com/article/55274/why-are-there-two-carolinas-and-two-dakotas
YES THEY MADE A VIDEO ON MY BIRTHDAY!!
Anybody notice that despite this video celebrating the 4th of July, the video was published on 2nd of July?
God, the more I learn about Dolley the more I love her.
Can we get facts just on Dolley Madison?
You mentioned Miss Piggy! Pork chop party fund!
2:05 Dang! Anna Harrison should put on glasses and host mental floss.. oh yeah she already is doing that LOL
Buchanan? Any connection to Great Gatsby?
It's July 2nd
4:54 - didn't see the little bust of FDR, just saw the thing to the left and thought this was an awful polio joke.. hahah
Please do a list about Sports!
Why does vinegar take the sting out of sunburn?
Not a World Cup episode, I for one John are not angry but severely disappointed.
Must... resist... Castaway joke...!
Nope, sorry. Can't.
WIIILSOOON!! I'm sorry Wilson!!
That is all i thought about the entire time
It's a replica, I have the exact same thing in my home.
You can buy it for $17.
You take that back about the “better Rosevelt”
is this John Green the same author for The Fault in our stars?
Fun fact this guy wrote THE FAULT IN OUR STARS!
Did you guys not already do this episode?
Be nice on Franklin Pierce! Yes, he was weak and ineffective, but he also inherited a time-bomb of a situation. He was perhaps the wrong person for the task, but at an even wronger time. Like, the wrongest time.
Mind blowing question: Why are the directions "left" and "right" called "left" and "right"?
don't lie john you love the puns
Also Milk Duds are called that because they were trying to make a perfectly round candy but they all came out duds.
You said Miss Piggy without putting a quarter in the Staff Pork Chop Party Fund