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.

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April 4, 2026April 4, 2026

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The Tale of the Turnspit Dog: The Forgotten Hero of the Kitchen

Learn about the Turnspit dog — a forgotten but beloved hero of the household kitchen.
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A Grammar Fanatic to the End: the Final Words of Dominique Bouhours

Grammar expert Dominique Bouhours (1628-1702) knew he was approaching the end of his life. Faithful to his trade to the very end, he uttered his last words: “I am about to — or I am going to — die. Either expression is correct.”
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Anna Jarvis and Her War Against Mother’s Day

Anna Jarvis, despite her support for motherhood, despised the commercialism of Mother’s Day. She strived to focus on honoring mothers, not profiting from the holiday. Her efforts to abolish the day failed, despite her initial success in establishing it. Surprisingly, the creator of Mother’s Day spent her later years fighting against her own creation.
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The Houdini Death Prophecy and the Senate Showdown Over Spiritualists

Discover Houdini’s intense battle against fraudulent spiritualists, his historic Senate showdown, and the chilling Houdini death prophecy that proved to be true. A captivating journey through history’s veil of mystery and intrigue.
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Eleven Presidents on D-Day

In remembrance of significance of the D-Day invasion 80 years ago, we reblog this insightful article from one of our favorite blogs, Presidential History. Be sure to visit it for lots of informative and entertaining reading.
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When Is a Cup Not a Cup and a Tablespoon Not a Tablespoon?

The definitions of a cup and tablespoon can vary by country, even within national borders, leading to confusion in recipes. For example, a US legal cup and a UK metric cup have different measurements. Understanding the author’s intended measurements is essential for successful baking.
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Thatcher Thwarts Reporter’s Puerile Plea

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She earned the nickname “The Iron Lady” because of her determination, courage, and unbending will. These qualities did not depart her when she left office. Five years after vacating Number 10 Downing Street, the former Prime Minister was interviewed for a…
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Mark Twain On Equality of Lawyers

“Lawyers are like other people — fools on the average; but it is easier for an ass to succeed in that trade than any other.”
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Sheesh! The Chinese Poem Where Everything Is Pronounced “Shi”

It is always dangerous to try to write an article about something in a language that the author knows nothing about. We at Commonplace Fun Facts laugh in the face of danger. At the very least, we laugh at a lot of different things, including languages we do not understand. For that reason, we present…
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The Most Reluctant Convert In All England

C.S. Lewis is well known as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and many significant works of Christian theology. What is less known is that he spent much of his younger life as an atheist. He described his path to Christianity in his book Surprised By Joy. In it, he explains that…
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Where Did “Women and Children First” Come From?

”Women and children first!” We associate those words with impending disaster that will almost certainly take lives. A sinking ship, approaching fire, or other calamity where opportunities for rescue are limited means there must be some who must be willing to trade their lives for others. Stories of great heroism and detestable cowardice come out…
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When History Meets Hilarity: The Unintended Comedy Gold That Brightened BBC Airwaves

Who hasn’t experienced an ill-timed fit of giggles? Perhaps it hit you in the middle of giving an important presentation at work. Maybe it happened during what was supposed to be a silent prayer at church. Possibly a fit of laughter overcame you when Mrs. Smethels was interrogating the class to find out who was…
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The Magician Whose Death Revealed His Greatest Illusion

The audience watched with wondrous expectation. The internationally acclaimed magician Chung Ling Soo was about to perform his famous “Condemned to Death by the Boxers” trick. The illusionist claimed to be able to catch a bullet in mid-flight as it hurled toward him. Even though everyone expected the gunshot, an involuntary startle gripped the spectators…
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Suicide By Toss of a Coin

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article deals with a historical case involving suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Alternatively, in the United States, you may dial 988 to be connected to the Suicide…
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Winston Churchill’s Letter to Winston Churchill

Of course, everyone knew who Winston Churchill was. His command of the English language and masterful writing made him a true celebrity. He was well on his way to becoming one of the best-known American authors of his day. Wait… American author?
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