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.

Keep reading

April 4, 2026April 4, 2026

Check Out the Latest

The Enigma of Markovian Parallax Denigrate: Unraveling Internet’s Oldest Mystery

Far in the distant past, before smart phones, WiFi, high-speed internet, and social media, a mystery was born. By the way, we mean the really distant past — even before MySpace. Yes, this is ancient history — back in the days when Blockbuster was the place to go for home video entertainment. Prehistoric specialists refer…
Read more: The Enigma of Markovian Parallax Denigrate: Unraveling Internet’s Oldest Mystery
A Tale of Two Courtrooms: The Quaint Contrasts Between American and British Legal Systems

In The Canterville Ghost, Oscar Wilde wrote: “We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.” Perhaps Wilde should have expanded his observation to the legal system, as well. The United States owes a great deal of its political and legal customs to the United Kingdom. The USA inherited the British…
Read more: A Tale of Two Courtrooms: The Quaint Contrasts Between American and British Legal Systems
When Someone Tells You, “You Can’t Do That”

If anyone knew what it meant to overcome adversity and achieve greatness despite obstacles, it was the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Read more: When Someone Tells You, “You Can’t Do That”
Fact or Fiction? The Legend of Wooden Bombs in World War II

The legend of World War II’s wooden bombs captivates with its blend of humor and strategy, originating from William L. Shirer’s account. Despite widespread circulation, skepticism arises due to lack of solid proof. While some hail it as a psychological tactic, many details remain unverified, leaving its truth uncertain yet intriguing.
Read more: Fact or Fiction? The Legend of Wooden Bombs in World War II
The Salem Witch Trials and Its Surprising Influential Witness: Bathshua Pope

The Salem Witch Trials in 1692 were marked by mass hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to the imprisonment of over 150 people and the execution of nineteen. Central to the trials was Bathshua Pope, whose accusations influenced many executions. The trials ended when Governor Phips intervened, recognizing the injustice.
Read more: The Salem Witch Trials and Its Surprising Influential Witness: Bathshua Pope
Fourth of July: Celebrations, Traditions, and Quirky Facts

Independence Day, commonly known as the 4th of July, is a significant date in American history, celebrated with fireworks, parades, and various festivities. However, many facts about this historic day are often misunderstood or overlooked. Let’s delve into the true significance of July 4th and explore some intriguing facts and traditions associated with it.
Read more: Fourth of July: Celebrations, Traditions, and Quirky Facts
Did a 1992 Sitcom Episode Predict the Future?

“What an appalling display. The voters of this nation are presented with a choice between a monstrous, bloodthirsty psychopath and a self-confessed braindead ignoramus. What will future generations think of us that we cannot present the public with better alternatives than these?” — TV’s Dinosaurs in 1992.
Read more: Did a 1992 Sitcom Episode Predict the Future?
Navajo Code Talkers: The Hidden Heroes of WW II

Thanks to Valayism for this insightful piece about the Navajo code talkers, the hidden heroes of World War II. #TriviaOfTheDay During WW II, codemaking & codebreaking reached their peak. We have heard of the Enigma and how the allies managed to break the codes… The Navajo Code Talkers
Read more: Navajo Code Talkers: The Hidden Heroes of WW II
Leaving With Mark Twain’s Approval

“I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” — Mark Twain
Read more: Leaving With Mark Twain’s Approval
Exclusive Report: Alien Infiltration Uncovered – The Secret Cheese Agenda at CERN

Editor’s Note: The following story, exclusive to Commonplace Fun Facts, was certainly NOT written entirely by Artificial Intelligence in response to a bored writer’s random suggestions to ChatGPT. The accompanying photos, likewise, most definitely were NOT generated with AI technology. This is NOT fake news. This is REAL. All hail our benevolent AI overlords! EXCLUSIVE…
Read more: Exclusive Report: Alien Infiltration Uncovered – The Secret Cheese Agenda at CERN
JFK on Surprising Realities of Office

“ When we got into office, the thing that surprised me most was to find that things were just as bad as we’d been saying they were.” — John F. Kennedy
Read more: JFK on Surprising Realities of Office
Got Questions About Your Options in the Election?

As we write this, pundits are still analyzing the performances of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. For some inexplicable reason, we are seeing a sudden surge in readers who are finding their way to Commonplace Fun Facts after searching such terms as…
Read more: Got Questions About Your Options in the Election?
SS Warrimoo: Crossing Equator & International Date Line – Fact or Fiction?

Discover the intriguing story of the SS Warrimoo, the ship that may have been at the intersection of the Equator and International Date Line on New Year’s Eve 1899. Did it truly happen?
Read more: SS Warrimoo: Crossing Equator & International Date Line – Fact or Fiction?
The Slippery Science of Banana Peels

Why Are Banana Peels Slippery? If you want to trip someone up, leave a banana peel in his path. Everyone knows that nothing is more slippy than the discarded skin of one of our favorite fruits. If you aren’t convinced, you just have to ask Wile E. Coyote or any other cartoon character whose bottom…
Read more: The Slippery Science of Banana Peels
The Subliminal — and Creepy — Cure for Bad Habits

Who doesn’t have some bad habits they’d like to conquer? Wouldn’t it be nice if those things that blemish an otherwise flawless person could just disappear without any effort on our part? Imagine waking up one morning to find that your character defects were wiped away while you slept! Lawrence LeShan thought he could do…
Read more: The Subliminal — and Creepy — Cure for Bad Habits