A toaster oven uses about as much power as a motor boat.
The expression “chaise lounge” is not French (not good French anyway). The expression in French is “chaise longue” or “long chair.” The American habit of lounging apparently led to the transposition of letters.
If built today, the Empire State Building would cost over $1 billion to construct.
In the song “Wabash Cannonball,” Daddy Claxton was the train’s engineer. The song was recorded by Roy Acuff, whose middle name was Claxton – after an old family friend – but there’s no connection to the character of the song.
Necco wafers are a type of candy.
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? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants in care of the Chronicle, or e-mail to mrpants@auschron.com
This article appears in August 7 • 1998 and August 7 • 1998 (Cover).