Commonplace Fun Facts

The Great Fire of London (1666): Strange Facts Behind the Famous Disaster

The Great Fire of London wasn’t just a disaster—it was full of odd decisions and strange moments. Here are the quirkiest facts from 1666.

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April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

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The Rising Costs of Partridges in Pear Trees

If you want to bless your true love during the 12 days of Christmas next year, you may want to save up your pennies, starting now. According to the latest study, the 364 gifts that are handed out over the course of the 12 days costs $155,407.18 — up 0.6% from 2014’s prices. The breakdown…
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How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Now that Christmas is behind us for one more year, it is time to see just how much of the holiday traditions you know. Consider these Christmas fun facts: What’s so special about mistletoe? The Druids considered mistletoe sacred because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when all other plants appear to…
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The Candy Cane — More Than Just a Holiday Treat

Think you know all you need to know about the candy cane? Think again… The original candy cane was straight, all white, and hard. A candy cane turned upside down is the letter J, which many believe represents Jesus. National candy cane day is December 26 in the United States. The first candy…
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Matlock Goes After Sheriff Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith, known for his roles as Sheriff Andy Taylor and Attorney Ben Matlock, was involved in a legal battle when a man changed his name to Andy Griffith, seeking election as sheriff. Griffith sued for trademark and privacy violations but lost the case. Despite his legal victory, the imitator performed poorly in the election.
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Some Assembly Required

The most frightening words in the English language for parents on Christmas Eve are, “Some assembly required.” Putting together the toy that is to be opened in just a few hours has been the cause of more than one nervous breakdown. Next time you bemoan how difficult it is to assembly that Christmas gift, consider…
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A Ford, Not a Lincoln

President Gerald R. Ford was well aware of the unique circumstances that propelled him to the most powerful office in the world. Appointed as Vice President upon the resignation of Spiro T. Agnew, he served in that capacity for little more than eight months before Richard Nixon’s resignation made Ford into the 38th President of…
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Christmas in D.C.

“Our nation’s capital is really getting into the holiday spirit. Yesterday I saw Tip O’Neil with a beard and red suit, shimmying down the Washington Monument.” — Bob Hope Tip O’Neil, a Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts, was Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987.
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May the Heavens Smile Upon You

On May 16, 2010 the moon, Venus, and Jupiter aligned to create a smiley face. Thanks to monthlyrandom for this fun fact.
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I Know Who I Am

Ronald Reagan had been successful in motion pictures and television, but he still struggled with name recognition when he was campaigning for President in 1976. His campaign managers had him going door-to-door in Texas, seeking votes. At one house a gentleman answered the door, and Reagan told him he was running for President and would appreciate…
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The Usefulness of Useless Information

The dialogue between Hui Tzu and Chuang Tzu illustrates the concept of “the usefulness of useless information.” Chuang Tzu argues that appreciating what seems useless is essential to understanding utility. Without acknowledging the broader context, one risks losing the very ground they rely on, highlighting the importance of seemingly insignificant elements in life.
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2 D’s, or Not 2 D’s…

President Abraham Lincoln liked to joke about the well-to-do background of his wife’s family. “The Todds spell their name with two d’s, which is pretty impressive, considering one d is good enough for God.”
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The Surprising Time Abraham Lincoln Testified to Save His Wife

Did Abraham Lincoln defend his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, against accusations of treason? Discover the remarkable moment when Abraham Lincoln testified to save his wife from treason.
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Have a Finger-Lickin’ Good Christmas!

While visions of sugar plums may dance in the heads of children in most of the world on Christmas Eve, in Japan the dreams are more likely to be filled with images of crispy and original recipe chicken. In 1974 Kentucky Fried Chicken launched an advertising campaign called “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!!” — “Kentucky for…
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A Poet of No Distinction

William McGonagall’s reputation is in doubt — and he would be pleased about it, if he were still alive, that is. McGonagall has long held the distinction of being the worst poet in the English language because of his tome, “The Tay Bridge Disaster.” Containing such notable gems as, “And the cry rang out all…
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Did His Parents Hate Him?

Parents should be held responsible for the decisions they make when naming their children. An authority on this subject would be none other than Dr. Whet Faartz. Anyone happen to know what his area of expertise is? Aside from being bullied as a child, of course….
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