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 Fascinating History of Advent Calendars: From Spiritual Origins to Modern Delights

Today is June 25. Here. at Commonplace Fun Facts World Headquarters in Kansas City, the weather forecast says it will be 95 degrees. When factoring in the ghastly humidity for which this part of the world is famous, the heat index means it will actually feel more pleasant on the surface of the sun. What…
Read more: The Fascinating History of Advent Calendars: From Spiritual Origins to Modern Delights
Unveiling The Golden Bat: The First Superhero?

So, there’s a debate about who holds the title of “World’s First Superhero.” While the Phantom is officially recognized, some argue that the Golden Bat, a Japanese character from 1931, deserves it too. He had powers and a cool backstory, influencing later heroes. Ultimately, it’s up to the readers to decide!
Read more: Unveiling The Golden Bat: The First Superhero?
Flamingos: Discovering the Upside-Down Fun Facts of This Amazing Bird

Flamingos are not only visually stunning with their pink plumage but also exhibit a unique feeding strategy by dining upside down. Their specialized beaks allow efficient filtering of food underwater. This feeding method helps them access resources while minimizing competition and aids digestion, showcasing their remarkable adaptability in aquatic environments.
Read more: Flamingos: Discovering the Upside-Down Fun Facts of This Amazing Bird
Henry Ford’s Inspirational Lesson on Failure, Success, and Perseverance

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” — Henry Ford
Read more: Henry Ford’s Inspirational Lesson on Failure, Success, and Perseverance
Andy Griffith’s Parenting Advice

The Andy Griffith Show, which aired from 1960 to 1968, is remembered for its wholesome humor and valuable life lessons. Read about the helpful parenting advice from one of the classic episodes.
Read more: Andy Griffith’s Parenting Advice
Uncommon English Words and Their Surprising Definitions

The English language is constantly evolving, with new words added each year and old ones falling out of use. Words like “betrump” and “cony-catch” have faded into obscurity, while others have evolved in meaning. Even though language changes, the essence remains, as exemplified by the word “teen.” Samuel Johnson’s 1755 dictionary offers insight into these…
Read more: Uncommon English Words and Their Surprising Definitions
The Creepy Boy Who Hated Mothers And Became a Beloved Hero

Explore the dark origins of Peter Pan, the boy who hated mothers, as J.M. Barrie’s character transforms from the villainous Demon Boy into a beloved hero. Discover the psychological roots behind the famous tale.
Read more: The Creepy Boy Who Hated Mothers And Became a Beloved Hero
No Enemies? That’s Not a Good Thing

Think it’s good to have no enemies? Think again, and read this poem by Scottish poet Charles Mackay
Read more: No Enemies? That’s Not a Good Thing
Fun Physics With Spherical Cows

Imagine a spherical cow. With an opening line like that, one can only imagine the direction this article is going to go. It sounds like the perfect way to begin a discussion of The Far Side comics by Gary Larson or an intro to this article about the use of cows in making zeppelins.
Read more: Fun Physics With Spherical Cows
Milton Berle on the Limitations of Congress

You can lead a man to Congress, but you can’t make him think. — Milton Berle
Read more: Milton Berle on the Limitations of Congress
Why We Could Be Eating a Portsmouth: Unveiling the True Story Behind the Sandwich

There is a good chance you have eaten a sandwich within the past few days. Meat, cheese, peanut butter, or any variety of foods held between two pieces of has been a key part of menus for about as long as bread has existed.
Read more: Why We Could Be Eating a Portsmouth: Unveiling the True Story Behind the Sandwich
Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain?

Is it better to walk or run in the rain? Find out the tricky science behind the answer.
Read more: Is it Better to Walk or Run in the Rain?
The Great Banana Peel Smoking Hoax: Just One More Reason The 1960s Were So Weird

Say what you will about the 1960s, you have to admit it was a decade of weirdness. It was a time when rebellion, revolution, and poorly thought-through hairstyles were the norm. Musical tastes ranged from folk songs to atonal psychedelic screeches. Society was gripped with anti-war protests, race riots, political assassinations, and drugs. Return with…
Read more: The Great Banana Peel Smoking Hoax: Just One More Reason The 1960s Were So Weird
Jack Benny on the Essentials of Golf

“Give me golf clubs, fresh air, and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.” — Jack Benny
Read more: Jack Benny on the Essentials of Golf
Kalaupapa: The Last Leper Colony in the USA

Learn about Kalaupapa, the last leper colony in Hawaii.
Read more: Kalaupapa: The Last Leper Colony in the USA