Emily Petsko
Mental Floss
Washington, DC, United States
Contact Emily
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
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Past articles by Emily:
Graham Crackers Were Invented to Combat the Evils of Coffee, Alcohol, and Masturbation
The original recipe bears little resemblance to the cookie we know today. Nor does our reason for snacking on them. → Read More
11 Things You Might Not Know About Mark Twain
Mark Twain is widely considered the author of the first great American novel—'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'—but his rollicking tales aren’t the only legacy he left behind. → Read More
11 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain
Mark Twain is widely considered the author of the first great American novel—'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'—but his rollicking tales aren’t the only legacy he left behind. → Read More
Bombshell, Victoria’s Secret’s Bestselling Fragrance, Also Happens to Repel Mosquitoes
Want to ward off blood-sucking pests? DEET is still your best bet, but if you want something that smells a little sweeter, Bombshell is a reliable second pick. → Read More
Bombshell, Victoria’s Secret’s Bestselling Fragrance, Also Happens to Repel Mosquitoes
Want to ward off blood-sucking pests? DEET is still your best bet, but if you want something that smells a little sweeter, Bombshell is a reliable second pick. → Read More
How Thomas Jefferson's Obsession With Mastodons Partly Fueled the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Thomas Jefferson thought mastodons might still be lurking somewhere out West—and he was determined to find them. → Read More
From Hogwarts to Game of Thrones: The Floor Plans of Famous Fictional Libraries
In celebration of the beauty of libraries, furniture designer Neville Johnson has created artistic floor plans of famous movie and TV libraries, including Harry Potter's Hogwarts library. → Read More
13 Surprising Facts About George Orwell
George Orwell is best known for penning the dystopian novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'—regarded as one of the greatest classics of all time—but writing novels was only one small facet of his life and career. → Read More
The Right Way to Pet a Dog, According to Veterinarians
Yes, that German shepherd in the park is adorable. But there's a specific protocol you should follow when approaching dogs you haven't met before. → Read More
The Right Way to Pet a Dog, According to Veterinarians
Yes, that German shepherd in the park is adorable. But there's a specific protocol you should follow when approaching dogs you haven't met before. → Read More
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Donating Your Body to Science
From research labs to 'body farms' used by forensics students, here's where your donated cadaver might end up. → Read More
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Donating Your Body to Science
From research labs to 'body farms' used by forensics students, here's where your donated cadaver might end up. → Read More
How Beavers Could Help Clean Up Polluted Waters Around the World
Beavers are essentially nature's "ecosystem engineers." Here's how their dams could help curb water pollution. → Read More
How Beavers Could Help Clean Up Polluted Waters Around the World
Beavers are essentially nature's "ecosystem engineers." Here's how their dams could help curb water pollution. → Read More
9 Secrets of Uber Drivers
Uber drivers are the unsung heroes who make sure we get home from the airport or the bar at an affordable price. Here are some of their personal stories. → Read More
10 Fascinating Facts About the 10 Most Popular National Parks in America
From Acadia to Zion and the Rockies to the Smokies, there's a lot to see—and learn—from America's most frequented national parks. → Read More
Bad News: The Best Time of the Day to Drink Coffee Isn’t as Soon as You Wake Up
Sorry, night owls, but scientists and nutritionists say you're not doing yourselves any favors when you fuel up on java as soon as you wake up. → Read More
This Is What Millions of Monarch Butterflies Sound Like
If you want to see and hear tens of millions of butterflies, visit Michoacán, Mexico—or just watch this video instead. → Read More
Why 'Run' Is The Most Complex Word in the English Language
This pithy word may only be three letters long, but it's deceptively complex. According to one lexicographer, it has 645 distinct definitions. → Read More
Why 'Run' Is The Most Complex Word in the English Language
This pithy word may only be three letters long, but it's deceptively complex. According to one lexicographer, it has 645 distinct definitions. → Read More