Streets made from cobblestones last about 350 years — about three times longer than those made from asphalt.
The human ear is so sensitive that if it weren’t for a filtering mechanism in the brain, we would go mad from the constant bombardment of sounds — such as the sound of molecules bouncing on the eardrum.
The Samurai of medieval Japan did not allow tattoos on their bodies. It was considered lower class.
According to one source, sex researcher Alfred. C. Kinsey was a bisexual masochist who circumcised himself with a pocketknife without anesthesia.
The first production car to drive on Antarctica was a VW Beetle in 1963.
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
This article appears in December 12 • 1997 and December 12 • 1997 (Cover).