Commonplace Fun Facts

Mad Honey Warfare: The Strange History of Hallucinogenic Honey in Battle

Discover mad honey—how toxic rhododendron nectar creates hallucinogenic honey used in ancient warfare, medicine, and modern curiosity.

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April 12, 2026April 12, 2026

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Andrew Lloyd Webber: No Beauty Contestant

“Can you watch Andrew Lloyd Webber? He looks like he’s had his face carved off by a diseased butcher. Put in a piñata. Beaten with hockey sticks for six hours, and then the resulting slop piped back onto his head like the icing on the ugliest cake the world has ever seen.” — Frankie…
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Betty Ford and the Unnecessary Instructions on Air Force One

Learn about Betty Ford’s amusing anecdote from her time as First Lady on Air Force One.
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Seeing Friends for the Holidays

Christmas brings an understandable desire to see old friends. For that reason, you might sympathize with Patrick Rempe, who just wanted to see his buddies before the holidays. Of course, his buddies were in custody in the county jail, but why let that little obstacle get in the way of holiday cheer and comradeship? For…
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A Body of Knowledge About the Body

Thanks to Saved You a Spot for this graphic and information. Check out this great blog for informative and entertaining posts on education, reading, and life in general.
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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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