The birds on the original Cadillac trademark shield are not ducks, they’re merlettes, a mythological legless and beakless bird.
They’ve been drinking snake wine in Southeast Asia for its supposed medicinal use since the Western Zhou dynasty (771 BC).
Author Henry D. Thoreau most likely pronounced his name with an accent on the first syllable so it sounded like “thorough.” In fact, one of his correspondents, Daniel Ricketson, sometimes addressed him in letters as “Mr. Thorough” or “Mr. Thoroughly Good.”
Paul Giamatti says he didn’t mind wearing prosthetics for his half-Klingon, half-Tellarite character in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
When in Greenland, you might need to wear an anorak, which is a pullover, hooded, waterproof windbreaker without a front opening and that goes down to the hips. The word comes from the Greenlandic word “annoraaq,” referring to a hooded outer garment traditionally worn by the Inuit.
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 24 • 2026.