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.
9 Hilarious Books to Read, Recommended by Comedy Writer Simon Rich
The Reason Target Has Those Giant Red Concrete Spheres Outside
9 Surprising Things You Can Make in Your Instant Pot
11 Tips for Avoiding Germs at the Grocery Store
Grocery shopping is still a necessary errand for many—here’s our best advice for how to get it done safely.
The Smart Reason Grocery Stores Offer Pint-Sized Shopping Carts for Kids
Mini shopping carts keep kids busy on shopping trips, but that’s not the only reason grocery stores have them.
The Reason So Many Prices End in .99
It’s a clever trick that retailers use to make consumers think items cost less than they actually do.
Ingenious Moving Tips, According to Twitter
Here are Twitter’s best packing tips and tricks to help you save space, money, time, and your sanity on moving day.
Acronym vs. Initialism: What’s the Difference?
Here's everything you need to know about the difference between acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms.
You Should Always Trim Your Candle Wicks—Here’s Why
The only thing worse than a candle wick that’s too short is one that’s too long. Here’s why—and how—to trim it.
How a Newspaper Article Became the Last Straw for Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Prolific Partnership
Stan Lee’s habit of claiming credit for Jack Kirby’s Marvel Comics creations was on full display in one 1965 newspaper profile.
How Costco's 'Kirkland Signature' Got Its Name
Unlike other stores, Costco only has one private label—but 'Kirkland Signature' wasn’t the founder's first choice.
What Do the Numbers on Barcodes Mean?
Barcode scanners don’t need to register the number below the barcode, but it can tell you a lot about a product.
The Surprising Stories Behind 12 Classic Pop Songs
Bonnie Tyler was singing about lovestruck vampires long before Twilight’s Bella and Edward came along.
Why Is It Called the “Ivy League”?
Here’s the story of how the Ivy League got its name—and a list of all the schools that belong to it (including the informal “Ivy Plus” schools).
Why Does ‘Stat’ Mean “Immediately”?
Here’s everything you ever wondered about ‘stat’: its meaning, its origins, and whether ER doctors really shout it all the time.