Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. A “Pancake Bell” is rung before confession.
The tiny pocket in your jeans was originally designed to hold a pocket watch.
Thirty years ago, 225 million boxes of oranges were picked from Florida orange groves, almost enough for one box of oranges for every American. This year, the forecast from the U.S. Agriculture Department is 12 million boxes.
According to a recent poll, more than half of UK adults use a simple coin flip to settle household arguments.
According to actor Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), baristas at American coffee shops expect fewer words when ordering, and baristas at British coffee shops expect more words.
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 April 3 • 2026.