Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Singer-songwriter Elanora Fagan was better known as "Billie Holiday." Like Ella Fitzgerald, she was from Irish-African-American ancestry.

The praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head.

Frederick and Linda Chamberlain are founders of the cryonics organization Alcor Life Extension Foundation. When Frederick was cryopreserved on March 22, 2012, according to his wife, his last words were, "Gee, I hope this works." Linda plans to join him in cryo-limbo when her time comes. Their hope is that someday they can be thawed and revived.

Some say watermelon is really a vegetable (citrullus lanatus). Others say it's a berry called a pepo. Still others say watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable. So there.

The real-life North Hollywood house Sherwood Schwartz used for the exterior shots of the Brady home (on The Brady Bunch) sold in 1973 for $61,000 ($339,483 in 2016 dollars). According to the real estate website Zillow, buying this house today would cost $1,784,574.

The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, or newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants. Why not visit mrsmartypants.com?

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