Abe Lincoln was an accomplished inventor.
New York City’s largest ticker-tape parade — measured by the
amount
of ticker tape picked up — was for John Glenn on March 1, 1962, weighing in at
3,474 tons on a seven-mile route.
About 8,000 people visited Antarctica last year.
The credit card was invented in 1949 by Frank X. McNamara. After finishing a
meal in a restaurant, he discovered he had no cash, and called his wife to bail
him out. This gave him the idea for Diners Club.
According to writer Tom Blair, politicians are like diapers: They should
be changed often, and for the same reason.
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 December 1 • 1995 and December 1 • 1995 (Cover).