Tokelau recently became the last country to get telephone service.

A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has designed a boat powered by flippers instead of a propeller. The system is based on the swimming action of the penguin.

The KGB slang for low-level agents was “trash-eating dogs.”

Marine snails (cone shells) from the Conidae family can be deadly to humans. The contoxins produced by one variety are being studied as possible nerve agents to relieve chronic pain for those suffering from AIDS and cancer.

Some crime labs apply super glue vapor to surfaces to detect fingerprints.

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 May 2 • 1997 and May 2 • 1997 (Cover).

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 US