Who hasn’t wished to have a better memory? Whether you struggle with recalling the names of people whom you just met, have difficulty with how many “c”s and “m”s to include in […]
Improve Your Memory With These Helpful Mnemonics
It Took One-Fourth of the U.S. Army to Capture Geronimo
The most feared Native American leader of the 19th century was a yawning man. At least, that’s what his name meant. Born on June 16, 1829, in what is now Turkey Creek, […]
When Does the Winner of the Election Become the President-elect?
The title “President-elect” is not found in the U.S. Constitution. It is a designation given to the person who has officially been elected to office but has not yet assumed the office. […]
Absaroka — the State that Never Was
Talk of secession was in the air. No, it wasn’t slavery in the days leading up to the Civil War, and the movement wasn’t fueled with weapons and rebellion. This time, secessionists […]
The Pepper and the Friendship that Endured Beyond War
George was cold. Actually, “cold” doesn’t begin to describe it. He was freezing. He was learning the hard way that although the desert is famously hot during the day, the nighttime conditions […]
How the Wilhelm Scream Became One of Hollywood’s Biggest Easter Eggs
Certain lines from movies are so iconic that they are immediately recognized. “I am your father!” is instantly associated with James Earl Jones’ powerful portrayal of Darth Vader. Who can read the […]
Cut Loose of the Misuse of the Mispronounced Name of Dr. Seuss
Theodor Geisel is known around the world by his pen name Dr. Seuss. The author and illustrator of more than 60 children’s books such as The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs […]
The American Origin of the German Chocolate Cake
Few things are as American as apple pie, unless, of course, you consider German chocolate cake. Despite its name, this delectable dessert originated in about as non-German of a location as you […]
There Once Was a Planet Named George
The name of the seventh planet in our solar system frequently evokes giggles and crude jokes during junior high science classes, but Uranus is actually an improvement over its original name. Just […]
Totally Awesome Facts About Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
As the release date for Bill & Ted Face the Music approaches, the nerdiness level at Commonplace Fun Facts Headquarters is rising exponentially. In anticipation of the sequel that has been almost […]
Two Hotheaded Boys and Two Patient Mothers
David and Leslie had a couple of things in common: each had volatile tempers, and both of them had mothers who believed those tempers could and should be controlled. David was known […]
Picasso’s Full Name Was 103-Letters Long
Some people achieve such fame that they can be known by last name only. Say the name of Einstein, Beethoven, or Descartes, and no one will ask you to elaborate. Perhaps this […]
The Cafeteria Named After a Notorious Cannibal
Those who gathered for the dedication of the Alferd Packer Memorial Grill in the Department of Agriculture thought they were witnessing homage to an enterprising pioneer. Little did they realize they were […]
When “I Don’t Care” and “Whatever” Are Brilliant Business Plans
If you are young enough to have always had access to a cell phone, you’re probably not old enough to remember the battle of telephone service companies. In the days when long-distance […]
Bangkok’s Full Name is a Real Mouthful
The beautiful city of Bangkok is Thailand’s biggest metropolitan area. Home to over fourteen million people, the capital city has a rich history and culture. It also has the biggest official name […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 