Mister Smarty Pants Knows

Adam (of Bible fame) wasn't really named Adam.

It is considered unlucky to pick up a coin you didn't drop if it's showing tails, but okay to turn it over for the next person. It's good luck to pick up a heads-up coin. The worst luck is reserved for those who ignore coins laying around.

Paris was the first city to install an organized system of roadside mailboxes.

More troops died from infection on the battlefield during World War I than from direct bullet or artillery hits.

It is illegal to make disparaging comments about a person's female relatives in Haltom City, Texas.

Fred Astaire's dancing shoes were size 8 1/2.

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The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? Leave a message for Mr. Smarty Pants, at 454-5766, ext. 226 for possible inclusion in the column. E-mail: mrpants@auschron.com