Cleopatra wrote a book on cosmetics. One of the ingredients was burnt mice.

According to noted toy inventor Reyn Guyer, who was responsible for Twister and the Nerf ball, Twister started off as a shoe polish promotion and Nerf started off as a toy rock for an ill-fated game called Caveman.

17,000 Smarties candies are eaten every minute in the U.K.

According to one source, actress Anne Bancroft was 36 when she portrayed her role as Mrs. Robinson, the “older woman,” in The Graduate. At the time, actor Dustin Hoffman was 30.

An elephant has about 100 gallons of blood.

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 October 9 • 1998 and October 9 • 1998 (Cover).

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