Actor Karl Malden has found a way to say “Sekulavich ” (his real last name) in nearly every movie in which he’s appeared.

In 1965, the “Fun With Dick and Jane” series again made history with the first multi-ethnic reader. Author Scott Foresman introduced characters Mike, Pam, and Penny, an African-American family who lived next door to Dick and Jane.

NATO’s bombs on Yugoslavia have destroyed a Yugo factory, which could be considered redundant (bombs destroying bombs).

The term “hunky-dory,” meaning everything is okay, came from a street named Honki-dori in Yokohama. As the inhabitants of this street catered to the pleasure of sailors, one can readily understand why the street’s name became synonymous for anything that is enjoyable or satisfactory.

Helium was discovered in spectroscopy before it was found in nature.


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 facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants at the Chronicle, or e-mail to mrpants@auschron.com.

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