Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Before society accepted that germs spread disease, there were several now-disproved concepts. These included the theory that a miasma (a noxious form of bad air) could emanate from rotting organic matter and spread disease.

The 1927 British animated short "Giro the Germ" may be the first film to encourage people to wash their hands to prevent the spread of disease.

According to a 2018 story in New York Magazine, less than 60% of web traffic is by actual humans. A report published by Distil Networks said that bots accounted for 38% of all online traffic during 2018.

It is impossible to view a vampire through a reflector telescope due to its use of mirrors.

As of 2002, actor-comedian Lily Tomlin's favorite book was Annie Proulx's 1993 novel, The Shipping News.

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?

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

READ MORE
More Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Mr. Smarty Pants, May 16, 2025

Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows

Mr. Smarty Pants, May 9, 2025

MORE IN THE ARCHIVES
One click gets you all the newsletters listed below

Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events

Keep up with happenings around town

Kevin Curtin's bimonthly cannabis musings

Austin's queerest news and events

Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news

Information is power. Support the free press, so we can support Austin.   Support the Chronicle