By R.U. Steinberg

SEPTEMBER 8, 1998: 

Florence Henderson was the first female guest host of NBC's Tonight Show.

Fireflies aren't flies at all, but beetles. Most of their life is spent as larvae, and their flying phase is rarely longer than two weeks. There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies, and they're all in the family Lampyridae, Latin for "shining fire."

Tagalog, also referred to as Filipino, is the primary language spoken in the Philippines.

There are currently 46 McDonalds for every million people in the U.S. However, there are less than three for every million people in countries outside the U.S. that are served by the fast food chain.

The so-called stomach flu is actually a viral infection called viral gastroenteritis.

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 Mr. Smarty Pants at mrpants@auschron.com

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