Commonplace Fun Facts

The 1927 White House Renovation and the Overdue Bill to the King of England

Calvin Coolidge, the 1927 White House renovation, and the deadpan joke that Britain should get the bill for damage dating back to the War of 1812.

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May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

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Suffering from Nomophobia? Let’s Hope You Can Reach Your Psychologist by Mobile Phone

Nomophobia (short for “no mobile phone phobia”) is the constant fear of not having mobile phone service. Researchers report that more than half of the people of the United Kingdom have this malady. source
Read more: Suffering from Nomophobia? Let’s Hope You Can Reach Your Psychologist by Mobile Phone
Shaking Hands Not Enough For You? Try Visiting These Places

In the United States people customarily greet each other with a handshake. A hug is acceptable among friends and family. Other cultures say, “Hello” in ways that might surprise those who are unprepared for the greeting. Tibet: Tibetans consider it polite and appropriate to stick their tongues out at each other. This dates back to…
Read more: Shaking Hands Not Enough For You? Try Visiting These Places
Need Extra Days for Christmas Shopping? Move to Foula

The island of Foula in the Shetland Islands of Scotland operates off of a different calendar than the rest of the United Kingdom. When Great Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, Foula chose to remain on the Julian calendar, except it did not observe leap year in 1900. As a result, the date in…
Read more: Need Extra Days for Christmas Shopping? Move to Foula
NOTICE: Do Not Call 911 for a Ride to the Store

There are pros and cons to public transportation, but it is good advice for everyone to consider all the costs before calling for a ride. Kurt Smith was arrested in December 2014 by New Jersey State Police for filing a false police report in an effort to get a free ride to a convenience store.…
Read more: NOTICE: Do Not Call 911 for a Ride to the Store
Some People Just Aren’t Good With Animals

Benjamin Herman Siegel of southern Florida was arrested in January, 2015 and charged with battery and cruelty to animals after allegedly striking employees with a bearded dragon and putting the bearded dragon in his mouth. According to police reports, Seigel was videotaped throwing the animal in the air multiple times before hitting employees more than…
Read more: Some People Just Aren’t Good With Animals
Cold Enough For Ya?

The coldest temperature ever recorded on earth was in August, 2010 in Antarctica. Satellites measured surface temperatures of -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit (-94.7 degrees Celsius). There is no way to disguise the fact that this is COLD. It is not entirely incompatible with human life, however. Scientists stationed at the South Pole have a tradition of…
Read more: Cold Enough For Ya?
Nuclear War False Alarms That Almost Triggered World War 3

Discover the shocking real-life nuclear war false alarms that almost led to nuclear war. Learn from these critical moments in Cold War history!
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Vasili Arkhipov: The Man Who Prevented World War III

On October 27, 1962, in the most tense moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the American destroyer USS Beale tried to warn off the Soviet submarine B-59 and inadvertently brought the world to what was, arguably, the closest it has come to nuclear war.
Read more: Vasili Arkhipov: The Man Who Prevented World War III
Haunted

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Reducing the Werewolf Population One Adoption at a Time

Going the extra mile to keep the werewolf population down, Argentina’s presidents have made it a custom since 1907 to “adopt” the seventh son born in a family.
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Survival Skills for Z-Day

Experts note that to survive a zombie attack: 1. Do not take shelter in a vehicle in which you do not have the keys; 2. Do not leave weapons out for zombies to find: 3. Do not give your only weapon to a hysterical person; 4. Do not retreat to your basement without supplies; 5. Do not…
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Celebrate Hogmanay in Scotland: Have Yourself a Flaming Ball of Fun

Explore the unique Hogmanay traditions of Scotland, from fireball ceremonies to festive feasts. Learn about customs across regions and their historical significance.
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Take Some Mummy Powder, A Few Drops of Gladiator Blood, and Call Me in the Morning

Quack medicine is nothing new. Over the centuries, people have ingested some pretty disgusting things in hopes of curing whatever ails them. Consider some of the following examples from history: Mellified Man: Take one male volunteer aged 70 or 80, bathe him, and feed him with nothing but honey. Upon his death (usually within a…
Read more: Take Some Mummy Powder, A Few Drops of Gladiator Blood, and Call Me in the Morning
You’ve Heard of Flying Reindeer; What About Pollyanna, the Reindeer of the Deep Seas?

Pollyanna, with officers of the HMS Trident The British submarine HMS Trident had an unusual crew member for part of its World War II service: a reindeer named Pollyanna. The Trident was among a fleet of submarines and supply ships that the British Navy sent to support the Soviet Union after the Nazis invaded in…
Read more: You’ve Heard of Flying Reindeer; What About Pollyanna, the Reindeer of the Deep Seas?
The Christmas Truce 1914: A Heartwarming Tale of Peace During War

Discover the moving story of the Christmas Truce 1914, when German and British soldiers laid down arms to share carols, gifts, and even a soccer game during WWI.
Read more: The Christmas Truce 1914: A Heartwarming Tale of Peace During War