Mental Floss

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There are things we’re all a little (or lot) afraid of, but the numbers tell us we don’t need to be. Read on for more statistically soothing details about some of the most common, but not commonly occurring, concerns.

Julie Fogerson






Actor and author Gene Hackman.

Here are some bon mots the actor and author said over the years, on everything from how he chose his projects to the joys of writing.

Erin McCarthy


This island may look mysterious, but it isn’t a phantom island.

Old maps are littered with islands that have vanished. What happened to these strange and unexplainable lost lands? Did they ever exist in the first place?

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Grab your magnifying glass.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Ellen Gutoskey