

Ellen Gutoskey
Joined: Jun 24, 2019
Ellen Gutoskey is a Mental Floss staff writer who especially loves covering pop culture, not-so-popular culture, literature, really tiny things, really giant things, and anything that was previously thought to be lost. She used to work in publishing, she's usually laughing, and you can follow her on Twitter @ellengutoskey.


Mapped: Each State’s Most Popular Baby Names From 25 Years Ago

Definition Detective Quiz #51: Guess the Meanings of These Obscure Words

20 Fascinating Photos of Historical Figures at the Beach
Quiz: Only a True Disney Fan Knows Who Voiced These Disney Characters
This quiz features characters from ‘The Aristocats,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Lion King,’ and more beloved Disney movies.
The 10 Busiest Airports in the World
Atlanta’s airport defends its blue ribbon—see what other airports made the list.
200 Random Facts Presented Without Context
Sharks are older than trees. A Double Stuf Oreo isn’t truly double-stuffed. Need we say more? Maybe, but we’re not going to.
Grocery Stores vs. Supermarkets: What’s the Difference?
Though it doesn’t always affect casual conversation, the difference might matter to your credit card company.
The Clever Reason Why Grocery Stores Change Their Layouts So Often
A grocery store’s layout strategy is very calculated—and rearranging inventory is meant to confuse you.
15 of the Top Restaurants Around the World With a 3-Star Michelin Rating
One way to determine the best Michelin star restaurants is just to look at how many people are moved to leave good reviews after they visit.
McDonald’s Is Testing Out Plastic-Free Restaurants in Germany and Canada
Sustainability innovations include grass-made burger wrappings, edible waffle cups as condiment containers, and more.
What Really Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Restaurant Bill?
Restaurant employees probably won’t make you wash dishes to settle the debt. Here’s what they might do instead.
Do You Know When Your State Was Founded? Find Out With This Interactive Map
See all 50 states in order from oldest to newest—and test your knowledge with a quiz.
Why Is the Olympic Field Hockey Pitch So Wet?
Here’s why high-level field hockey competitions keep the turf nice and watered.
The Reason Reading Makes You Sleepy
If you’re trying to teach yourself how to fall asleep faster, reading before bed is a good habit to pick up—here’s why.
Definition Detective Quiz #50: Guess the Meanings of These Obscure Words
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?