Mental Floss

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Sending out an SOS.

You know it's a distress signal, but what does it actually stand for? A lot of people think it's an abbreviation for “save our souls.” (It's not.)

Matt Soniak




Let's make moves and go to the National Aquarium!

Charm City’s namesake charm could partially be due to the locals’ broad vocabulary of slang. Here are some terms you should know if you ever plan on visiting.

Bethel Afful




If this is what your eyeballs feel like after trying (and failing) to see Magic Eye pictures, you're not alone.

Magic Eye pictures have been called “the world’s most famous—and infamously frustrating—optical illusion.” Here’s what might be going on if you can’t see them.

Matt Soniak


These paradoxes will melt your brain.

A good paradox can befuddle the best of us. If you're in the mood to narrow your brow at seemingly irreconcilable facts, have we got a list for you.

Paul Anthony Jones














There are several reasons a car won’t start.

Before you slam your head or hands on the wheel, take a look at these common reasons for an inoperable car and what you might be able to do about them.

Jake Rossen