

Emily Petsko
Joined: Apr 10, 2018
Emily Petsko is a former staff writer at Mental Floss. Her writing has appeared in Lonely Planet, The Guardian, and several lifestyle publications in Asia.


Graham Crackers Were Invented to Combat the Evils of Coffee, Alcohol, and Masturbation

A Traveling Harry Potter Beer Festival Is Coming to Several U.S. Cities

11 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain
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.
It's Not Too Early to Pre-Order Your Funko Harry Potter Advent Calendar
After a successful debut in 2018, pop culture-loving toy company Funko is releasing a Harry Potter-themed advent calendar for the second year in a row.
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.
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.
Hasbro Has Released a Stranger Things-Themed Dungeons & Dragons Starter Kit
Enter the Upside Down and hunt Demogorgons with this 'Stranger Things' version of the classic 'Dungeons & Dragons' role-playing game.
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.
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.
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.
ANIMALS
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.
DESIGN
The Reason Why Your Car Window Is Edged With Tiny Black Dots
Those little polka dots circling your windshield might be easy to miss, but they actually serve a few crucial functions.
JOB SECRETS
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.
LISTS
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.