Thomas Alva Edison once electrocuted an elephant named Topsy for killing her
three trainers.
American troops in Bosnia are testing a computer called the Falcon (Forward
Area Language Converter) that gives instant translations of foreign-language
documents.
A caravan of camels once caused a cattle stampede on Austin’s South Congress
Avenue.
Toho Productions filmed two different endings for King Kong vs.
Godzilla. In the Japanese release, Godzilla won; in the U.S. release, Kong
won.
“Small beer” used to refer to a lower-alcohol content beer served to children
during the Middle Ages.
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 January 17 • 1997 and January 17 • 1997 (Cover).