If you are a fan of the BBC, the thought of your favorite program going off the air might seem like a sign of the end of the world. If that favorite […]
How the BBC Show “Today” Ensures There Will Be a Tomorrow
The Day Sark Was Invaded by One Man
The island of Sark has many admirable features. It is beautiful, idyllic, and has some of the lowest-priced rental property in the world. Located between Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel Islands, […]
George Washington’s Prayer for the Nation
On June 8, 1783, General George Washington wrote a prayer for his young nation. This prayer is read each day at the wreath-laying ceremony at his grave at Mount Vernon. Over 237 […]
The Secret Code That Was Hidden in a Pop Song
Many people find comfort in music. They find encouragement in the lyrics, or they allow the upbeat tempo of the music to lift their spirits. In one case, there was a message […]
One of History’s Bloodiest Wars Was Fought Over a Bucket
Commonplace Fun Facts has documented a war fought over a pig, a war against emus, and another that was fought over spilled soup. None of this can quite compare to one of […]
The Secret Mission Behind the Discovery of Titanic
The discovery of Titanic’s wreckage in 1985 was a major media event. As the world looked upon a ship that had not been seen in over 70 years, it was generally assumed it was […]
Eight Years Trapped at Sea: the Story of the Yellow Fleet
You may have always dreamt of spending extended time sailing on a ship. What would you think about spending eight years on that ship, wondering if you would ever be able to […]
The Canadian Nuclear Disaster That Changed a U.S. Presidency
When Ontario’s Chalk River NRX nuclear reactor melted down in December 1952, it drew the attention of the world. It was history’s first nuclear reactor meltdown, and scientists, politicians, and people from […]
The Gift of Fairies That Protects a Scottish Clan
Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, is the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod. The castle has stood guard for 700 years, towering over its beautiful surroundings. Despite the rich […]
Jousting is the Official Sport of Maryland
Maryland is accustomed to not getting the respect it deserves. Its size (only seven states are smaller) means that it is often overlooked on a map, being crowded out by neighboring Pennsylvania […]
The Many Monarchs of the Disputed Kingdom Where No One Wants to Live
Odds are that you have never heard of the Kingdom of Redonda. Even if you know where it is, it’s unlikely you have a map that is detailed enough to find it. […]
The True Story of Chicken-Powered Nuclear Landmines
The history of the Cold War is replete with technological marvels that were the fruit of the arms race. There are also some stunning examples of inventions that really make you stop […]
When History Hung on a Minor League Baseball Career
David loved athletics of all kinds, but it was football and baseball that really drove him. Later in life, he would be remembered for other things. In those formative years, however, it […]
Steve McQueen’s Less-Than-Cool Beginning with the Marines
Steve McQueen (1930-1980) may have been known as the “King of Cool” during the height of his Hollywood popularity, but before that, he had a less than stellar career with the U.S. […]
Churchill and the Foiled Plot of the Exploding Chocolate
Given Winston Churchill’s well-known fondness for food, it stands to reason that doctors warned him about the health risks of eating too many sweets. Little did they know just how dangerous certain […]
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