Winnie-the-Pooh is banned in China because political activists have compared the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, to the beloved fictional teddy bear.
Chianina cattle originated in Italy and are the largest and tallest cattle in the world.
To get rid of a hickey, Dr. Isabela Bottura, an Australian gynecologist-turned-integrative sex coach, recommends applying a cold compress as soon as possible, a warm compress the morning after, and applying arnica cream, a banana peel, vitamin K, or aloe vera. Or you could just wear a scarf.
On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds caused a panic about a Martian invasion. A similar hoax/panic happened in Quito, Ecuador, on February 12, 1949.
In 1969, the late Afropop superstar Fela Kuti and his band auditioned to be the house band at the not-so-subtly racist Disneyland ride the Jungle Cruise, but didn’t get the gig because they weren’t African enough.
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 October 31 • 2025.