The gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881, didn’t actually take place at the O.K. Corral. It took place in an alley behind Fly’s Photography Studio.
The expression “thin as a rail” doesn’t refer to railroad tracks. It refers to a marsh bird.
Ambergris is a solid, waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is highly valued by perfume makers.
In the late 1800s to early 1900s when X-rays were a new technology, some women turned to them for excessive hair removal.
The heat index is a “feels like” temperature that combines air temperature and humidity to estimate how hot it feels in the shade, but it ignores sun and wind.
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 August 21 • 2026.