Ikebana is a minimalist Japanese flower-arranging art rooted in Zen philosophy, where every branch and leaf carries meaning.
The late Stephen Bruton called Groucho Marx the greatest songwriter because Marx rhymed “appendectomy” with “send a check to me.”
In a recent interview with CBC, Jodie Foster said that she speaks French in a higher pitched voice than normal because she learned French from lady professors who all spoke like that.
Folks in the UK call baked potatoes with the skin still on and with a lot of toppings “jacket potatoes.” The jacket is the potato skin.
In 1610, the city of Krakow, Poland, issued a regulation that said bagels should be given to women after they gave birth. The reason is because the bagel’s circular shape supposedly symbolized a long life to come.
The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, or newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants. Why not visit mrsmartypants.com?
This article appears in January 30 • 2026.