Alexander Graham Bell said “ahoy” instead of “hello” when answering the phone.
“Son of a gun” referred to the bastard child of an unmarried woman usually born aboard ship. Medical clinics were usually behind the shore gun emplacements, and doctors would list the father as “Gunn” on birth records.
Edgar Bergen’s Charlie McCarthy was supposed to be 14 years old.
Scientists at Cranfield University in England are developing technology that will allow complete medical check-ups to be carried out in the home within five years.
In early Russia, railroad track width didn’t match that of surrounding countries, so invasion by rail would not be possible.
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 April 10 • 1998 and April 10 • 1998 (Cover).