They don’t have stop signs in Paris, France.
The Japanese word for “fig” is “ichijiku,” which means “no flower fruit.” That’s because the flower blooms inside the fruit.
Attempted presidential assassin John Hinckley was housed at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital – the same psychiatric facility that housed Richard Lawrence (who tried to kill Andrew Jackson) and Charles Guiteau (who killed James Garfield).
Do you like to study flags, their history, symbolism, and usage? Then you’re a vexillologist.
In 1891, Peugeot entered a car in a 745-mile bicycle race. About 40 miles into the event, Peugeot’s two-seater Type 3 had transmission problems. Six days later, the car finally finished the race. The winner, Charles Terront, won the race on a bicycle in 71 hours and 22 minutes.
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 November 14 • 2025.