Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

The automated operator for the Austin American-Statesman's city desk offers nine voice-mail options.

Dogs are descended from either the wolf or the jackal. Jackal descendants, or "turf dogs," have a domed head and shortened muzzle, while Golden Jackals are probably the starter stock for most dogs. Eskimo dogs, samoyeds, chow chows, and Russian lajkas are probably closest to the wolf.

Half of all Americans don't get regular dental checkups.

If they have the right pheromone, female flies could appear to be interesting to male flies, even if those female flies were of the wrong species -- or even dead.

Chico Marx once had his own big band, which featured vocalist Mel Torme.