Commonplace Fun Facts

Colorblindness: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why Your Charts Are the Problem

Explore colorblindness: what it is, common myths, causes, everyday challenges, and surprising advantages in this humorous, informative guide.

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April 4, 2026April 4, 2026

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Jim Carrey and the Negotiation Technique That Was Anything But Dumb and Dumber

When the producers of the film Dumb and Dumber were putting together the film’s cast in early 1994, they looked at rising star Jim Carrey as a likely prospect. They offered him the princely sum of $350,000 for the role. Carrey wanted $400,000. When neither side would budge on the price, Carrey turned down the…
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Dick Van Dyke’s Secret to Parenting

“I decided, when I started having kids, that I’d try not to do anything that I wouldn’t be proud for them to see. I’ve kind of stuck with that, and I don’t regret that at all, although I’ve lost money and passed up a lot of projects because of it. But I feel good about…
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How Long Did It Take to Invent the Can Opener?

War has been a blight on humanity for all of history, but it occasionally produces some good things. Such was the case when Napoleon’s problems with providing food to his troops led to the invention of canned food. How this happened, and how long it took for the can opener to come along afterward, is…
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Fun Facts About the First Ladies — Part 1

The role of the First Lady of the United States, an influential yet unofficial position, has been occupied by fifty-three women. These women, ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to Dolley Madison, have shaped history through their influence, social roles, and advocacy, despite their lack of constitutional power. Each deserves recognition for their contributions. Learn these fun…
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The Story of the Popsicle and its 11-Year-Old Inventor

What invokes happy memories of summer better than the popsicle? The cool, refreshing delight of a juicy frozen treat on a hot day can seem like manna from heaven. The next time you enjoy this iconic taste of summer happiness, take a moment and express gratitude to the 11-year-old boy who invented it. The young…
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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 was one reason Pablo Picasso aspired to the greatness he ultimately achieved. Imagine how much easier it was to be known as “Picasso”…
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Weird Tax Laws: Quirks and Madness at the IRS

The IRS has diverse tax laws, including regulations on kidnapping and bribes. Payments for ransom may affect dependent claims, and all income types, including illegal ones, are taxable. Despite its outdated systems, the IRS ensures compliance and offers exceptions for penalties on late returns, while adapting to modern needs remains challenging.
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No Horsing Around For Harding’s Church Attendance

President Warren G. Harding enjoyed going horseback riding on Sunday mornings. At the insistence of First Lady Florence Harding, the president had to be back in time to go to church with her. It was up to his Secret Service agent, Col. Edmund Starling, to make sure the reluctant church-goer did not disappoint his wife.…
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Do You Know Which Day is Leap Day?

Every four years we get to experience the phenomenon known as Leap Year. One additional day is added to the calendar to account for the fact that it takes about 365.25 days for the earth to make a full orbit of the sun. Here’s a pop quiz to test your knowledge about Leap Year. What…
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What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?

Have you ever wondered how you are supposed to refer to that nation that is home to Queen Elizabeth II? Are you supposed to call it England? Great Britain? The United Kingdom? Those who live there may think they have it all figured out, but the rest of us can still get confused. If you…
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How the UK Depends on the BBC Show “Today” to Prevent Doomsday

Why the BBC Show “Today” Helps Hold Doomsday at Bay 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 program happens to be the radio show Today, brace yourself; if it isn’t on…
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Tax Strategies for the Apocalypse

By some miracle, you have survived the disaster that has ushered in the apocalypse. Perhaps it was a nuclear war, asteroid strike, pandemic, or even zombies. Scarcely a month has gone by, and you are desperate for any kind of human contact. At last, you hear a knock on your door. You peer outside and…
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The Great Toilet Paper Scare That Was No Laughing Matter

It seemed impossible that such a precious commodity could be in such short supply. The nation had endured great challenges, knowing that more days of sacrifice lay ahead. Even so, no one expected a toilet paper shortage in the United States of America. Frantic customers flocked to the stores, desperate to stock up on the…
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Grawlix, Plewds, and Briffit: the Literary Language of Cartoons and Comic Strips

Ever hear of “grawlix” “briffit” “plewds” or “nittles”? Welcome to the weird world of comic strip and cartoon vocabulary.
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Silent Cal on the Value of Persistence

President Calvin Coolidge was certainly gifted with talent and intelligence. Even so, he was quick to point to an even more important quality that ultimately is responsible for a person’s success. Coolidge said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.…
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