MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

14 Commonly Confused Things

In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy breaks down some commonly confused pairs.

Astronomically speaking, fall doesn’t start until late September.

What You Should Know About the 2024 Fall Equinox

The fall equinox lands on Sunday, September 22 this year. Here’s what you need to know about the first day of autumn.

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

Mushrooms vs. Toadstools: What’s the Difference?

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

Showers are great for getting a fresh start to your day or winding down for the night.

Should You Shower at Morning or Night? Here’s What the Experts Say

The answer isn‘t as straightforward as you’d think.

Why Is It Called a “Phillips Head” Screwdriver?

Believe it or not, nobody named Phillips actually invented it.

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but it’s not a magic bullet.

Should You Use a Lemon to Clean Your Dishwasher?

Some people swear by the cleaning properties of citrus, but will it really get your dishwasher clean?

The teddy bear has a very specific origin story.

How Did the Teddy Bear Get Its Name?

The origins of the teddy bear involve President Theodore Roosevelt, a bear hunt, a political cartoon, and the owner of a candy shop in New York.

Alexis Bledel (left) and Lauren Graham as Rory and Lorelai Gilmore.

Smells Like Stars Hollow: How Much of ‘Gilmore Girls’ Is Set in the Fall?

‘Gilmore Girls’ is often viewed as a fall show. So we counted how many episodes take place during each season—and autumn didn’t come out on top.

Blowing gray bubbles just wouldn’t feel as fun.

Why Is Bubblegum Pink?

We uncover why bubblegum is traditionally pink—and also explore what flavor bubblegum even is.

Short Order: The Reason Why We Shrink in Height As We Get Older

You're not going to stand as tall at 70 as you did at 30. Here's why.

Arguably the grossest things in your kitchen.

Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Kitchen Sponges—Here’s How

Your kitchen sponges are grosser than you could possibly imagine, but here are some of the easiest ways to clean and disinfect them.

A three-day weekend makes bidding farewell to summer a little easier.

Why Is Labor Day Always Celebrated on a Monday?

Like Memorial Day and Presidents Day, Labor Day falls on a Monday each year. To understand how the federal holiday came to be, you need a brief history lesson in labor politics.

Why Does My Eyelid Sometimes Twitch?

Caffeine is just one of the things that may be to blame for the irritating spasms.

Apple pie is a classic fall treat for Americans.

How Did Apple Pie Become an Iconic American Dessert?

The phrase “American as apple pie“ leaves out the dish’s complicated history as an English dessert made of fruit that originated in Asia.

If you drive the same route long enough, sign fonts become fascinating.

Why Does the U.S. Highway System Use Two Different Fonts?

Attentive drivers will notice more than one kind of typeface during their travels.

Why Do Some Road Signs Have Holes in Them?

Yes, they‘re often bullet holes. No, that‘s not the only explanation.

The History—and Value—of the Princess Diana Beanie Baby

Trying to sell your Princess Diana Beanie Baby? She probably isn’t worth as much as you hope—here’s why.

“God” and “Jesus” are the only Simpson characters that have five fingers.

Why Do So Many Cartoon Characters Have Four Fingers?

It‘s normal for cartoon characters to be missing a digit, but how did the style originate?

Keep a look out for the origins of this weird phrase.

Where Does the Expression ‘Keep Your Eyes Peeled’ Come From?

Popular theories involve pirates—and police.

May want to think twice about drinking straight from the faucet, too.

Why Does My Tap Water Taste So Funny?

Depending on how weird your home’s tap water tastes, it could be due to the pipes or an old water heater, or be a problem with the water itself.

Why You Shouldn't Stop Your Dog From Sniffing on Walks

Dogs need to sniff around to understand their environment.

Two-factor authentication can also be a good security tool to have in your arsenal.

11 Smart Ways to Protect Against Identity Theft

Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the risks of identity theft and safeguarding your most valuable personal information.

Thought microwave heat would be enough to kill all forms of bacteria? Think again.

Your Microwave Is Covered With Bacteria—Here’s What to Do About It

Microwaves can harbor radiation-resistant bacteria, according to a new study published in 'Frontiers in Microbiology.' Fortunately, these microwave cleaning hacks can help.

Do You Really Need to Separate Your Laundry?

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t usually need to separate your laundry—though it can still be beneficial in certain cases.

PREV NEXT