By R.U. Steinberg

FEBRUARY 2, 1998:  Over 23 million pounds of plastic foam peanuts are recycled annually - enough to fill up the Empire State Building.

According to one source, one cannot be kicked to death by a camel because of the soft pads on the soles of their feet. One can contract syphilis from camel spit, however. And one can get kicked to death by an ostrich.

The "whole ball of wax" refers to the habit of jewelers using a ball of wax to pick up loose gold dust.

Many Hindu temples in India use their elephants to carry a replica of the temple deity around town on a few select festival days. During this time, the elephants are considered honorary Brahmins - the caste who has the right to conduct worship and perform rituals on behalf of everyone else.

The above is information which Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, a magazine, or the newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got any facts? E-mail: mrpants@auschron.com

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