We have reported on various initiatives to preserve humanity if we should encounter an apocalyptic event. Among these have been the government doomsday shelter hidden in plain sight, the global seed vault, […]
The Doomsday Vault to Save Oreos
The Brilliant Plan to Sell Wallpaper Cleaner to Children
Wallpaper cleaner and children. The only apparent connection between the two is that the more you have of the latter, the more likely you will need the former. With appropriate supervision, you […]
The Failed Soviet Plan to Build a Flying Tank
Imagine that you are a soldier in World War II. In the heat of battle, your attention is focused on the advancing enemy. With no sounds to suggest any hostile aircraft are […]
The Sweet Story of Candy Instead of Bullets
The War to End All Wars was over. So was the one that came after it. It was 1949, and Edward Dee was trying to find a peacetime use for machinery that […]
Henry’s Invention That Transformed Warfare
Henry was an ambitious officer. He had his sights set on greatness. He wanted his name to be remembered by future generations. He got his wish. This is the story of why […]
America’s Lost War Against a Highly-Addictive Substance
Who could have anticipated the dire consequences of the pharmacist’s experiments? It started so innocently. Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès was participating in a challenge that was sanctioned by none other than Emperor Napoleon III. […]
How a Spoiled Shipment Transformed a Popular Beverage
Ludwig Roselius was not at all happy. He paid good money to have his shipment sent to Europe, but when it arrived, it was ruined. He looked at the spoiled shipment and […]
The Surprising Legacy of the Man Who Betrayed Al Capone
In the world of organized crime, there were few more respected and feared than Easy Eddie. His intellect, business savvy, and ruthlessness made him a natural for Chicago’s underworld crime syndicate. Anyone […]
When the Earth Was Hit By a Solar Storm of 10 Billion Nukes
On the morning of September 1, 1859, amateur astronomer Richard Carrington pointed his telescope at the sun. He immediately noticed some unusual activity. A cluster of massive dark spots marred the sun’s […]
How Sony Accidentally Created a Camera That Could See Through Clothing
When tech giant Sony released its Handycam camcorder in 1998, it boasted that it had the most innovative features to date. The camera’s night vision technology was so advanced that company executives […]
Fun Google Tricks To Ward Off Boredom
The Commonplace Fun Facts Department of Data, Analytics, Viewer Demographics, and User Engagement (otherwise known as DAVDAUE — yeah, we know. We’re working on a better name) tells us that a significant […]
How a 10th-Century Viking King Is Responsible for Technology You Use Today
Perhaps you are wearing wireless earbuds at the moment. You might have your phone paired with your watch. You could be using a wireless mouse, keyboard, or speakers. In short, there’s a […]
How A Fast-Food Phenomenon Was Started As a Service to Servicemen
The soldiers at Fort Huachuca had a problem. Their duties frequently had them traveling off base at meal times, and it was hard to get a good meal.
The Song Played for the Loneliest Birthday on the Planet
Birthdays and parties go together. It is a time of celebration for the one who is having a birthday, as well as his or her friends and family. At some point during […]
An Alarm Clock That Guarantees a Rude Awakening
Let’s face it: sometimes it is hard to get out of bed in the morning. Some of us simply aren’t morning people. There are days when it’s going to take a little […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 