Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Poison and sign language, cocktails in 1806, and more
By Mr. Smarty Pants, Fri., March 5, 2010
You can still fart after you die.
The first definition of the word "cocktail" appeared in print in 1806: It was defined as "a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters – it is vulgarly called bittered sling."
Oysters are protandrous.
On Jan. 4, 2010, the National Weather Service began using 1-inch hail or larger as the standard a storm must meet in order to be classified as a "severe thunderstorm." The previous standard had been three-quarter-inch hail (penny-sized).
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?
