19 Times Your Memory Has Played Tricks On You

Try as we might, many of us don’t have the capacity to retain memories as accurately as we would like. As we converse with family and friends about current events and events related to our lives, we find discrepancies in the way that we remember these events through our own unique lens of perception.

There are several world events that make us question the way we see reality unfolding. Whether this is proof that alternate realities exist, or whether we are all part of cosmic trickery, check out these famous examples of times that your memory is playing tricks on you…

Jif or Jiffy

The loyalty that people maintain for their favorite brands of peanut butter is strong. Whether it’s creamy, chunky, organic, or laced with other flavors, one can’t deny that its gooey goodness makes all sorts of delectable goodies that make taste buds sing.

One of the most famous brands of peanut butter is Jif, but plenty of people all over the Internet will swear that there’s a brand called “Jiffy.” A simple Google search will tell you that they’re sadly mistaken and that the word “jiffy” is only used to tell someone how quickly you’ll be back.

Looney Tunes Vs. Toons

This iconic character branding of lovable cartoons took place in the 1930s, with animated entertainment dominating Saturday morning television for decades. Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd were the topic of conversation over morning cereal fights across America as millions of kids enjoyed their antics.

Whether the original brand was spelled “Tunes” or “Toons,” we may never know, but one is thing is for certain: it’s certainly been “Tunes” for many years, even if “Toons” would make more sense for some of the most animated characters of all time.

Berenstain Bears

The Berenstain Bears is a popular children’s literature and television franchise created by Stan and Jan Berenstain. The books and programs feature a family of grizzly bears who learn social-emotional concepts and lessons through each story.

For decades, millions have been entertained by the adventures of Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear, and Sister Bear, but many would likely be shocked if you told them the family’s last name. They could attest with certainty that it’s “Berenstein” only to be shown that it’s indeed “Berenstein.”

Curious George’s Tail

Curious George was yet another childhood icon that many can’t seem to remember with total accuracy. The books evolved to television specials and then movies, with his adorable antics firing up the imagination of children and adults alike.

While we can remember details from our favorite books and television episodes, what we can’t seem to agree on is whether the mischievous monkey had a tail or not. How was he able to hang from trees?

Sex “In” The City or “And” The City?

Carrie, Samatha, Miranda, and Charlotte became best friends for millions of viewers around the world with the inception of Sex “And” The City. This rom-com drama created exclusively for HBO may have started modestly, but the franchise soon took over television, film, and merchandise.

While these ladies were busy having sex “in” the city, the brand was actually released as Sex And The City. Title covers and DVD collections can attest to the simple word play, and we all tuned in to watch the evolution of these relationships and live vicariously through their characters.

How Many E’s?

Thanks to the addition of this product on the market, sneakers were revitalized, cooking smells were eliminated, and pet odors became virtually obsolete. A few simple spritzes around your home left it smelling as fresh as an afternoon meadow breeze.

Was it Febreze that allowed for meadowy freshness, or did the addition of another ‘e’ in Febreeze make it smell that much sweeter? Even loyal users of the brand now question which  version of the product actually existed on store shelves.

Oscar Mayer Vs. Meyer

German immigrant Oscar F. Mayer began working at a modest meat market in Detroit, Michigan before striking out to make his own dreams a reality. From his small beginnings, the iconic meat brand was born, serving up hot dogs, bologna, bacon, and other products to millions.

Paying homage to the company’s founder, the brand was born Mayer, not Meyer. Nevertheless, it seems that both presentations of the logo are acceptable to those that add them to picnics, barbecues, and 4th of July celebrations.

Skechers Sneakers

Skechers is an iconic shoe brand founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, who had previously founded LA Gear. First sporting early styles like utility boots and skate shoes, the company has since diversified to include cause and performance wear for all adults and children.

Regardless of the brand’s popularity, many people remain divided over the name and its spelling. Some distinctly recall a T in the name Sketchers, while others have always seen Skechers, which is what the brand is supposedly named.

Freddie Mercury’s Masterpiece

Anyone who has been to a sporting event in recent years has undoubtedly heard the iconic song “We Are The Champions” sung by legendary rock band, Queen. What we can’t seem to agree upon is how the song ends.

While we scream out lyrics and lock elbows with those next to us, some of us cannot resist adding the words “of the world” at the end of the song, while others insist that the song ends with “we are the champions”. How do you remember it?

Monopoly Monocle

When you conjure up a mental image of Mr. Monopoly, what do you remember seeing on his face? If you imagine him complete with mustache, top hat, and monocle, you are in good company.

Rich Uncle Pennybags, otherwise known as Mr. Monopoly, is actually presented without a monocle. You have first-hand experience of yet another Mandela Effect phenomenon that causes much deliberation on game night.

Pikachu’s Tail

Pokemon has become a worldwide sensation since its appearance in 1996. Playing cards, television shows, and video games have now entertained millions of people across the globe who fall in love with characters of every shape, size, and ability.

One of the most beloved characters in the Pokemon franchise is Pikachu, a bright yellow something-or-other that serves as a sidekick to main character Ash. One of the most recognized animated icons in the world, we are still mystified at whether he has black on his tail, or if it is the same shade of beautiful yellow.

Darth Vader’s Shocking Confession

The Star Wars franchise is one of the most successful film and entertainment franchises in history. Con celebrations across the world pay homage to characters such as Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and even the Dark Side as costumes are created and famous film lines are quoted.

One of the most misquoted lines in film history remains the shocking confession uttered by Darth Vader as he informs Luke about his lineage. In reality, the line reads, “No. I am your father.”

The Genie That “Disappeared”

Sinbad was a well-known comedian and actor that rose to prominence in the early 90s, with some loyal fans remembering his credits including a movie involving a genie. The film, called Shazaam, actually never existed.

We theorize that Sinbad fans are actually confusing this memory with a film called Kazaam, starring Shaquille O’Neal. In this film, Shaq appears as a genie who helps a child locate and reunite with his father.

Ford Flourish

For as long as the Ford brand has been in existence, it’s understandable that millions recognize the trademark blue and white logo that adorns not only dealerships, but automobiles across the globe.

If you remember a Ford “flourish” at the end of the F in the logo, you are not alone. While the original version of the logo did not contain anything special, the flourish was actually added in the 90s.

Life Isn’t A Box Of Chocolates?

Forrest Gump is one of Tom Hanks’s  crowning achievements in film, with the award-winning actor playing the part of a loveable, mentally challenged individual who touches the hearts and lives of millions.

A number of iconic one-liners arose from the film, including one that’s often misinterpreted by people. As he quotes his mama, he states that “life was like a box of chocolates”, speaking about her in past tense. This statement takes on individual meaning for all of us as we contemplate its unpredictable gifts.

M.A.S.H. Mishap

M.A.S.H. was a popular television program that ran from 1972 till 1983. During that time, Colonel Walter ‘Radar’ O’Reilly became one of the most well-loved characters on the show, capturing the hearts of millions with his quirky antics.

While many fans of the show swear that the Colonel’s character died during production, there was a two-part special that aired in season 8 that documented his live exit. Gary Burghoff is alive and well these days, following his passions of music and art in retirement.

JFK Assassination

Much debate surrounds the actual events of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. From conspiracy theories about a grassy knoll individual to C.I.A. involvement, that isn’t the only detail about the tragedy that is convoluted.

If you were unlucky enough to have seen the event footage, you may remember four passengers in the car. While everything blurs post-shot, there were actually seven people in the car, including the driver, two secret service agents, the Governor of Texas and his wife, and of course, Mrs. and Mrs. President.

Let Lucy ‘Splain

I Love Lucy is one of television’s crowning achievements. Featuring real-life couple Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, the show closely mimicked the adventures of Ricky and Lucy Ricardo as they weave their way through the daily adventures of wedded bliss.

Try as she might, Lucy always found herself embroiled in some sort of onscreen drama, to which Ricky would always ask her to ‘splain herself’. What many of us remember as “Lucy, you’ve got some ‘splaining to do” was actually ‘splain’ or ‘Lucy, ‘splain’ as she had to own up to her mistakes.

Cruella De Who?

The 1960’s hit 101 Dalmatians struck fear in the hearts of dog-lovers everywhere. While the villainess Cruella was busy plotting the next design on her fur-lined fashion, we were humming her iconic song without realizing the implications of her last name.

Cruella DeVille may have been softened a bit so as not to frighten children who were viewing this animated flick, but Disney execs agree that her last name is spelled “DeVil”, which more than fits this dark, deviant character.

Double FF for Double Stuff?

Few people tear into a box of Double “Stuf” oreos while checking for grammatical errors. You’d think that the addition of some extra white deliciousness could be justification for spelling the brand name on the package correctly.

Some cookie enthusiasts swear that the package has always read “Double “Stuf” with one F. This is incorrect; the package has always read “Double Stuff”, and spell checkers can bite into cookies that taste that much sweeter with the addition of that letter.

Meet The Flintstones

As we sing the classic television jingle that pays homage to The Flintstones, many of us are mispronouncing the name and subsequent spelling of this prehistoric family. In actuality, the word “Flint” makes much more sense, as this references Stone Age concepts.

Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty weren’t too concerned about precise diction and pronunciation; as a result, many of us deleted the first T to make the show’s melody slide off our tongues a bit more efficiently.

Smokey “The” Bear

Smokey Bear is an American advertising icon affiliated with the United States Forestry Service. As an attempt to raise awareness for wildfire prevention, his face is seen in commercials and print ads asking people to “prevent forest fires”.

While many people reference Smokey as “The” bear, his actual title was simply Smokey Bear. Though this doesn’t make his message any less important, those loyal to individualizing the title will likely continue using “the” to distinguish him from other bears.

Fifty Nifty United States

Learning the name and identification of our fifty “nifty” United States was an expectation. Whether we learned it through the traditional song or simply by recitation, many of us remember more than fifty states covered in Social Studies.

From 13 original colonies came the mainland states and a few territories that continue to elude some of us, while others vividly remember more than fifty. Detail-oriented Social Studies teachers would have included territories such as the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Sweet Debate

KitKat is a well-known confection characterized by chocolate covered wafer layers that can be deliciously broken into serving sizes of your voice. Produced globally by Nestle, it originally started as a British candy creation.

The origin of this sweet treat is not as hotly debated as the packaging that adorns layers of crunchy, chocolatey goodness. While some remember the name being hyphenated, the packaging both here and overseas has never contained one.

What Color Is It?

ROYGBIV are those standard colors that we mastered as children, and much like the rest of our education, our knowledge of specialized colors and hues expanded, as did the vocabulary that would identify each shade.

Whether you like the term “chartreuse” or not, one fact about this color is that people can’t seem to agree what it actually looks like. Some remember being taught to identify a pink/magenta color, while others staunchly defend a greenish-yellow hue.

Whose Neighborhood?

Mr. Rogers was an American television host, author, and creator of the television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, one of the longest-running shows in television history. His profound influence in millions of children across the world still inspires character development initiatives aimed at children.

Rogers started every single show by inviting children into his studio home, where he sang about his beautiful neighborhood. While some of us remember him singing “in the neighborhood”, he owns his creation by referring to it as “a beautiful day in this neighborhood”. While it seems like a small difference to us, it demonstrates Rogers’ commitment to his creation.

What Did You Hear, Clarice?

Both Jody Foster and Anthony Hopkins delivered high-quality performances in Silence Of The Lambs, but it was the combination of their work on camera together that brought new levels of creepy to the film.

One scene, in particular, will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, if you could only remember it accurately. While some remember Hopkin’s softly spoken “Hello, Clarice”, others staunchly defend his chilling “Good Morning” as the way the dialogue was presented.

Risky Business

One of the most popular last-minute Halloween costumes in party history, Tom Cruise’s character in Risky Business is a look that many wish to emulate that haven’t done their due diligence in costume shopping.

Many remember the tighty whities and the oversized Oxford shirt, but what we can’t seem to agree upon is the addition of a pair of sunglasses. Some swear that he plays the character with glasses, but glasses are, in fact, never worn by Cruise.

C3P “Oh”

Several Mandela Effect instances have been the subject of scrutiny through the Star Wars franchise, but not all of these involve two or three main characters. C3PO is a lovable robot sidekick that inspires debate as well.

Most of us remember this droid as being completely golden in color, but what many of us miss is his right leg differentiation. We can’t figure out why this hue in difference may have occurred, but there’s no denying that his right leg is silver just below the knee.

Gandalf’s Dramatic Fall

The Lord Of The Rings is a fantasy novel series that made its seamless and sensational transition into film. Set in Middle earth, the characters take on an otherworldly authority as they travel a world and encounter fantastic adventures many of us only dream about.

During one particular scene, the great wizard Gandalf is commanding Frodo and the rest of his crew to flee from danger. What many remember as “Run, you fools!” is actually “Fly, you fools!” That would be more efficient, anyway.

Cinderella’s Elusive Castle

Many of us blame the magic of Disneyworld for our convoluted and unclear memories of all the sensory stimulation that occurred there during our travels. One of Disney’s main attractions is Cinderella’s castle, yet some of us can’t seem to find it.

Some Disney fanatics insist that Cinderella’s castle is right at the entrance to the main theme park, but this iconic castle is nestled a bit farther in, standing just beyond “Main Street”, making it a picture-perfect spot for photo opportunities.

Mona Lisa’s Secretive Smile

The Mona Lisa is easily one of the most well-recognized pieces of art in world history. From subtle colors to flowing hair and a mysterious smile, many who behold the painting wonder what this secretive smile hides for her.

One hotly debated issue around the painting is the authenticity of Mona Lisa’s smile. Art enthusiasts and history buffs across the world swear that a more definitive smile was once painted where a smug, small smile now sits.

Color Cornucopia

Fruit Of The Loom is a well-known underwear brand that had people singing the praises of comfortable clothing for decades. One of the signature aspects of its brand was the brightly colored fruit that adorned each label, from undies to t-shirts.

For those of us who vividly remember a cornucopia basket being present behind the fruit, we are sorry to disappoint. Memory does not serve you correctly. The Fruit Of The Loom label contains only colorful bunches of fruit.

King Henry’s Voracious Appetite

We all know that King Henry VIII was prone to flights of fancy as well as eating and drinking to excess; the famed ruler reportedly shouted at servants to attend to his every inappropriate and unnecessary desire to demonstrate the court’s decadent nature.’

While many serfs of the day were barely able to produce or buy enough food to feed their families, there reportedly exists a portrait with the tyrant proudly displaying a golden goblet and a turkey leg. Despite these reports, we cannot find enough proof to substantiate this claim.

Patrick Swayze Still Alive?

Patrick Swayze first rose to fame as a dancer, and his natural charm and stage presence appealed to film and television executives who cast him in roles such as Skatetown U.S.A., The Outsiders, and Dirty Dancing.

 Some fans were saddened to hear of Swayze’s passing from pancreatic cancer in 2009, while others firmly believe that he recovered and is living a quiet life somewhere out of the limelight with his wife Lisa Niemi.

Shuttle Explosion

The gut-punching tragedy of the Challenger Explosion was televised for millions of families to see in real-time. Many schoolchildren vividly remember sitting in classrooms that day, watching the unfortunate drama unfold as it happened.

While the incident itself is not debated, the timeline of the explosion is a bit unclear. Some people swear that the accident occurred in 1984, while the actual date was January 28, 1986. Regardless, it changed the face of space exploration and travel forever.

Lindbergh Baby Mystery

Famous aviator Charles Lindbergh had a 20-month-old child who was abducted in 1932. The media blowout was excessive for that time period, with millions of people watching to see if the case would be solved.

Though a child’s remains were found just two months later, with a supposed “killer” being convicted and sent to death row, many people don’t believe that this is the end of the story. Some believe that the case remains open and unsolved.

Tiananmen Square Tyrant

If you were alive in the late 80s, you likely remember seeing pictures of a dramatic standoff between an unknown man and Chinese tanker trucks in the famous Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China.

Some remember a specific incident where a man challenges the idea of big government by staring into the face of death as a military tanker approaches. While the tanker did get dangerously close to the individual, he was forcibly removed from the path of the tank.

After having seen these examples of how your memory can play tricks on you, believe it or not, your eyes might be able to put your memory to shame, in this department. From well-crafted designs to perfectly-timed photos, optical illusions can leave you double-taking and questioning everything…

A Man Of Many Faces

Here’s one that frankly may hurt your eyes to look at. There’s something about his facial expression that would strike us as friendly if only we could concentrate on which pair of eyes to look at.

This artwork is intriguing and slightly frightening at the same time. Thankfully it’s two-dimensional and not a real person, because it feels like something that may be out of a horror movie.

No Running

This hallway painting would be ideal in a school where running in corridors is prohibited. Its misleading floor pattern keeps wayward students from running to and from class as fast as they please.

Thanks to the magic of illusion, different angles of this hall appear perfectly straight. These black and white rows are perfectly parallel, and while there is a whole boatload of science as to why they look that way, many of us can’t wrap our warped perception around why the retina creates this illusion for us.

Beautiful Beard

Beards are certainly a trend right now. Men have started growing them more and more, with many women fawning over them, and an entirely new subculture has cropped up around beard appreciation and the creativity that one can express when sporting one.

The rare phenomenon that you are looking at in this picture is the occurrence of two partners who share the exact same hair coloring. Upon closer inspection, we see that this man’s partner is standing in front of him with tresses flowing down to give the impression of the most glorious beard we’ve ever seen.

Underwater Waterfall

The Le Morne Brabant peninsula off the Island of Mauritius sports one of the most unique land/water displays on the planet. We see what appears to be an underwater waterfall off the coast of this island that seems impossible to take your eyes off of.

Ocean currents are pushing sand, silt, and water down the plate boundary, giving the beautiful illusion of a waterfall. Exercise caution when traveling through this area, lest you be swept up in the current.

Forever And Always

This portrait by Octavio Ocampo is titled Forever Always. At first glance, it seems to portray and old couple professing decades of love for each other as they stare into each other’s eyes.

The real trick is seeing this couple’s story ensconced in the painting. The woman’s face shows a much younger version of her, sitting next to a bottle. She’s listening to her younger beau play the sombrero, as seen on the old man’s face.

Airy Apartment Art

Street artists do an impressive job here in Sherbrooke Quebec with this illusion of a moveable wall panel and wide-open space on an apartment building. Every detail of this art is exquisite, from the way the sky matches window reflections to loitering residents enjoying a breath of fresh air.

It would be wonderful if all apartments were this inviting. Detail, color, and concept inspire imagination like few other creations do. Murals like this are a treat to behold, and it inspires a double take from many as they pass by.

Precious Pets

These photos were initially used by an agency to inspire people to consider adopting a precious pet. As you can see, the perfect blend of family and pets makes a sweet combination of care and lifelong companionship.

All members of a family benefit when they open their home to a new pet. With millions of precious displaced pets on the planet right now, the options are endless as you consider adding more love to your family.

Fashion Fakeout

If this gal is on a weight loss plan, she’s gone too far. As these spectators line the barrier for a sporting event, the men on either side of her seem to be firmly grounded, but she appears to have some stability challenges.

If she is wearing camouflage pants, then certainly consider us impressed. It’s more realistic to assume that she’s sitting on top of the partition, legs still firmly positioned underneath her on the other side of the wall.

Trippy Tattoo

Tattoos have been used as a means of artistry and personal expression for centuries. From henna dyes to more permanent displays, the options are as varied as the people who choose to adorn themselves with them.

We could stare at this person’s arm for hours trying to figure out how the tattoo artist got the job done. It really makes the arm look hollow, and we must wonder if that was the intended purpose. If the goal was to be eye-catching, mission accomplished.

Maddening Dots

This might be a GIF, but the still version of this geometric pattern displays random dots at various intersections, driving people batty with the reality that we can’t stare at more than one highlighted dot at a time.

Try as we might, we just can’t catch those strange dots that seem to pop up at every turn. Do they move around as our eyes shift, or are they really on every corner, inspiring our gaze to move from place to place? You decide on this one.

Floating Dock

The perfect summer evening usually comprises a quiet evening on the lake, complete with breathtaking views of land, water, and sky. This picture seems to capture the best of all three with a little surprise thrown in for good measure.

What appears to be a dock floating amidst the clouds is actually the dock floating on a crystal-clear reflection of fluffy clouds in a bright blue sky. As the sun casts its warm glow over everything in sight, this picture becomes something downright magical.

Graphic Foolery

A masterful artist attempted to displace The Beatles as they crossed the street in an iconic photo, replacing them instead with the characters from the beloved comic strip Peanuts. Now, we know that Charlie Brown’s head is a little large for his body, but this artist takes “big” to a whole other level.

To someone sitting in traffic, the street painting is presented as standing characters marching across the road. Pedestrians crossing the same location note that character heads stretch far beyond the confines of the crosswalk itself.

Wiggly Walkway

Some people having trouble navigating a straight pathway with no obstacles. We can only imagine how seeing the following obstacle course in front of you might cause even the most sure-footed traveler to pause and rethink their course.

Dangerous curves and wavy walkways contribute to this masterful optical illusion, and it’s no doubt that many have tried this hallway and stumbled a time or two as they try to figure out where solid ground is underneath all this artwork.

Next Level Art

The world of art and technology have symbiotically combined in the world of 3D, and it is quite amazing. Artists are now making drawings, sculptures, and paintings come to art with the tools and tech that can make it come alive in ways never before possible.

This simple yet somehow breathtaking drawing is a perfect example of how three-dimensional art can take on a life of its own. This man seems to be crawling across the page, leaving us to wonder what he’s in search of.

Moiré Zebra, Please

The moiré effect is a visual effect that occurs when you view a set of lines or dots that is superimposed on another pattern where the sets differ in size, spacing, and angles. The most common moiré experience occurs when looking at scenery through an ordinary window screen.

This moiré zebra pattern attracts our eyes straight to the zebra, who sports both horizontal and vertical stripes. As the zebra appears to wade through these horizontal stripes, the pattern is disrupted in a creative and beautiful way.

Human Pretzel

At first glance, this photo presents a mash up of two people that are clearly intertwined, yet we can’t figure out why a man’s head sits atop a tiny body. Not to worry, your eyes are deceiving you because of the similar shirt colors the two wear.

Upon closer inspection, we figure out that a girlfriend is giving her guy pal an embrace as she bends over the chair he is sitting in. Either that, or someone needs to go to the gym and embrace the concept of “leg day.”

Master Magician

If there’s one superpower that many would like to experience, it would be the ability to levitate. Floating several inches above ground would not be a cool party trick, but think of the energy you’d save as you effortlessly float through your day.

To our dismay, this gentleman is not levitating. He is merely standing next to a puddle that gives the impression that he’s waiting for the bus in a most unusual way. Of course, the power to levitate would make the bus a non-essential form of transportation, wouldn’t it?

Blend-in Box

Talented street artists across the world have the ability to take ordinary objects and transform them into breathtaking works of art. It’s worth a little extra walking to see this superior artwork as we become inspired to create ourselves.

This utility box on the streets of San Francisco blends in perfectly to its surrounding. Life looks almost utopian in the picture than in the surrounding area, with little details added to spruce it up. Where will this talented artist strike next?

Floating Boat

This boat appears to be floating above the water, but it’s making some waves. The crystal-clear nature of the water allows for a shadow to be cast below thanks to the sun’s powerful rays above.

Since this boat could potentially weigh several hundred pounds, it’s highly unlikely that it’s hovering above the water. Take note of the individual sitting in the back of the boat, legs dangling in the water. That will bring you and the boat back to Earth.

Ponzo Perception

The Ponzo illusion is an optical illusion first demonstrated by Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo in 1911. His theory suggested that the human mind judges an object’s size based its relationship to other objects in the background.

This photo demonstrates the power of perception in action. The red lines on the wall are identical in length, yet they appear to be very different based on their location. Don’t believe it? Measure and see for yourself.

Hidden Man

At first glance, this picture is just a cacophony of color, shape, and texture. A bag enthusiast would drool over the varied options for self-expression that exist on this colorful outdoor market display.

Upon closer inspection of the photo, we see the outline of a man visible in the center of the pic. As your eyes travel downward, you might even steal a glance at his feet, standing squarely in the middle of the pink bag in the center of the bottom row.

Greenery Globe

This aesthetically pleasing patch of greenery comes to you courtesy of French artist Francois Abelanet. Its title, “Qui Croire,” translates to “who is to believe.” Nestled squarely in the bustling streets of Paris, it’s not as petite as it seems.

This photo presents it as modest in size, but Qui Croire is actually comprised of 3500 square feet of dirt, turf, and straw. Any other angle gives the illusion that this grass globe is a vast, irregularly shaped garden of lush greenery.

2D Construction

Beautiful architecture across the world gives us the chance to behold truly unique creations from artists whose medium is brick and mortar. This building appears to be flat from this angle, leading us to believe that only cartoon characters can exist in this space.

In reality, this building is triangular, and there are plenty of 3D people inside it that can attest to its roominess. This type of construction is quite common in major cities across the world, perhaps it’s the result of architects each trying to outshine the competition.

Many Legs

Is this an elephant or a centipede? Elephants obviously have four legs, but it’s hard to figure out which four are firmly planted on the ground. Whoever drew this likeness may have mischievously intended for it to be a bit of a puzzle.

You may go crazy trying to figure out which leg is which, but you can discover that the elephant’s feet have been moved, so it appears that this solo looks more like a herd. It’s tempting to grab an eraser and have a go at this likeness, but it’s really hard to know where to stop adding legs.

Uneven Bridge

We rely on bridges to cross waterways, low-lying roadways, and other areas that would otherwise be difficult to navigate. If these structures are not properly maintained, we could find ourselves in danger when traveling from place to place.

This picture paints a bleak yet inaccurate picture of this bridge. Construction workers are seen operating a lift that makes the bridge seem almost lopsided, as there is no arm to indicate how high they are. A different perspective reveals that the arm is hidden from the camera view.

Distant Mirage

Fata Morgana was an Italian sorceress who reportedly used the illusion of mirages and fake oases to lure unsuspecting sailors to a tragic fate. Naturally, we would be skeptical when looking at this photo, wondering if she were setting us up for yet another prank.

In this optical illusion, it appears as if this boat sailing in the distance is actually hovering above the water. It is snugly nestled among the waves, but this phenomenon may have given birth to the myth of The Flying Dutchman.

Unstable Wall

At first glance, it would seem that this brick wall is one stiff wind short of a complete collapse. The masterful pattern of wear and tear seems to have formed a beautiful tree, prompting passers by to view the art at a safe distance.

Rest assured, this wall is still firmly in place, standing strong today. The tree pattern was the work of a skilled street artist who intentionally shaded the bricks so that they look as if they’ve been pushed inward.

Luscious Curves

A simple, clean line can be every bit as captivating as a complex and vibrant mural. Examples of this can be found everywhere from museums to cityscapes. Take this railing, for instance. It’s amazing how a small deviation in the expected can create such a stunning result.

The railing itself is completely flat, yet it presents the illusion of coming full circle. Perhaps all railings and barriers should take on a more artistic and interesting presentation. Even the most mundane structure would be as beautiful as it is functional.

Crazy Eight

Card players take note of this one in any standard deck. Aside from the vibrant red diamonds present on its face, there is one more number on this card that’s about to reveal itself.

The next time you lay your hand down with an eight of diamonds, take a good look at the negative space on the card. Nestled between the eight red diamonds is another perfectly placed eight, gleaming white in contrast to the pattern on the card.

See Through Stone

Throughout the ages, man has sculpted and shaped works of art out of the most unusual materials. Ancient sculptors worked with primitive tools, yet some of these ancient masterpieces have truly stood the test of time for our viewing pleasure.

Antonio Corradini has taken stone sculpting to a new level with this piece. Stone is one of the most opaque materials on the planet, yet he manages to make this wistful piece look airy and almost see-through.

Stairway To Allen

Regardless of what you call them, these little wrenches are an essential part of any well-rounded tool collection. You need Allen wrenches for every little job around the house, especially if you frequently visit IKEA.

Whoever crafted this genius staircase is likely to wrap up most of their home improvement projects in the near future. In the meantime, we can marvel at this stylish and functional staircase that they’ve created.

Wild Horses

Creativity is at its finest with this majestic portrayal of wild horses galloping through a pond. Even though the statues are stationary, they appear to be frolicking through the water at a fast enough pace to kick up spray.

Thanks to the ingenuity of pond designers, water jets were strategically installed at precisely the right spot, allowing for the horses to look as if they were on the move. As for the small one in the back, he’s got a way to go before he catches up to the rest of them.

Building Puzzle

If we were standing in the physical location where these buildings were, we may be able to tell which one is standing in the foreground. For now, it’s anyone’s guess as to which one gets the glory.

If the sunlight is any indication of building location, it appears that the one on the right is slightly ahead of the one on the left. Notice the edges of the two buildings, and how it almost looks as if they could function as a giant Jenga tower.

Pool Party

A first glance at this unique “sculpture” would make anyone freak out. Even if you don’t fancy yourself an experienced swimmer, you might be tempted to jump into this pseudo-pool and see if you could help those trapped in the deep.

But what looks like an unfortunate pool “party” is more likely a piece of textured glass with a little water on top that gives the impression that people are underwater. A pretty cool design for sure.

Llama Lie

This impressive presentation comes to your courtesy of your local llama herdsman, and the timing of this photo couldn’t be any more perfect. Perhaps the llama in the foreground is calling all the others to dinner as he rings his bell.

This herd is just playing visual tricks on us. What appears to be the amazing manual dexterity of one llama is actually a smaller llama standing behind it, wearing a hat with a bell. Regardless of how they made this magic happen, it’s a charming portrayal of lovable llamas.

Celestial Side Table

The addition of a well-placed piece of furniture can really add some pizzazz to an otherwise drab room. Space enthusiasts, rejoice, for this photo is proof that your unique obsession with celestial bodies is also being considered.

Someone scored big at the furniture shop. This side table is an almost perfect replica of the largest planet in our solar system. Although it’s missing the trademark red “eye,” it still resembles the large planet Jupiter in all other ways.

Waves Or Walls?

This photograph of a mountain range would be picturesque if it were actually situated next to a lake, but our perception is off, thanks to the light hitting a concrete wall just right. Shadows hitting the wall make the white paint resemble lake water.

The reflection of the sun’s rays hitting the top of the wall give the illusion that there is a sandy beach to play on in this photo, and we sincerely hope that no hot and sweaty travelers aren’t hitting up this location in hopes of a cool dip in the water.

Oil And Water Illusion

You may not see the glass rod in the photo above, and that’s okay. Both liquids in this glass are transparent, but you can only see the rod through one of them, giving the impression that one of them is fragmented.

What’s really happening here is that light is able to pass through oil at the same rate that is passes through clear glass. Light passes through water at a different speed, so the glass rod is still visible at the bottom of the glass itself.