Rick Dees was fired as a disc jockey at WMPS for merely mentioning his record “Disco Duck” on-air.
Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine, mysteriously vanished in 1913. Some suspect he committed suicide due to debt and deteriorating health.
David Niven lost his wife on May 19, 1946, when she accidentally fell down a flight of stairs. The pair were at a party of A-listers in Los Angeles when someone suggested everyone play a game of Sardines, similar to hide-and-seek, but played in the dark.
Some Gen Z internet acronyms: JOMO is joy of missing out, FOMO is fear of missing out, and FOBO is fear of better options.
The wizard robe worn by Korob (Theo Marcuse) in the Star Trek: Original Series episode “Catspaw” originally came from a Gilligan’s Island episode, “Lovey’s Secret Admirer,” where it was worn by Gilligan (Bob Denver) during a dream sequence in which he played a Fairy Godfather.
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 May 29 • 2026.