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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Did Hans Christian Andersen Base ‘The Ugly Duckling’ On a True Story?

Discover the secret royal heritage of Hans Christian Andersen. From an awkward boy bullied for his appearance to a literary legend, his life holds more mystery than his famous tales.
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Lincoln’s Advice About Law and Life

“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker, the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.”
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Is it Kitty-Corner or Catty-Corner?

The phrases “kitty-corner” and “catty-corner” refer to the location of a coffee shop diagonal from a grocery store. Their usage varies regionally in the U.S., with “catty-corner” preferred in the Midwest and South, while “kitty-corner” is common in the Northeast and West. Various alternative terms also exist for similar locations.
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The Unlikely Lawyer Who Represented a Slave Owner

It was a chapter in American history that every decent person wishes had never been written. Slavery was legal — at least in some parts of the country. Slaves were viewed as property in some states but not in others. Each state had unique laws that addressed whether and how a slave might attain freedom.…
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You Can Identify the Gender of a Turkey by the Shape of Its Poo

The nearer we get to Thanksgiving, the more we see turkeys all around us. No, we’re not referring to all of the politicians who running around, trying to get votes. We refer to the animal that appears in holiday advertisements and is the center of attraction at the Thanksgiving feast. Have you wondered how to…
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You Can Reign in Hell (Michigan)

In Paradise Lost, John Milton paints a word picture of Satan being cast into Hell. The fallen angel, in making his choice of eternal rebellion, declares, “Better to reign in hell than serve in heav’n.” (Paradise Lost, Book One, lines 254-263). We sincerely hope none of our readers will follow his example. There is, however,…
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Which South American City Was Once the Capital of a European Nation?

A nation’s capital city is not only the seat of its government but is also a center of national pride. If a tourist can visit only one city, the capital is the place to go to see the best of the country’s history and culture. There are exceptions, of course. Switzerland, for example, has no…
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Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth II

The staff of Commonplace Fun Facts extends its deepest sympathy to our British readers on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The United Kingdom is the second largest source of readers for Commonplace Fun Facts. Even without that special connection, today we are all at least a little bit British and honor a…
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The Ironic End of the Scientist Who Discovered R.E.M. Sleep

Although we spend, on average, one-third of our lives sleeping, the scientific study of the activity is relatively new. Officially known as somnology, the study of sleep began in earnest in 1936 with the discovery of different stages of sleep. It wasn’t until 1953 that the research really took off with the discovery of the…
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The Inventor of the Donut Hole: Why Hanson Gregory is Remembered for Inventing Nothing

Who invented the donut hole? Read about the big debate that determined whether Hanson Gregory has the distinction of inventing nothing.
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Mummification: The Ancient Egyptian Job That Earned Hatred If Done Right

Ever wonder about the process of Ancient Egyptian mummification? Find out how it was done and why those who did it were hated.
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Wigging Out on British Legal Customs

If you enjoy watching television programs that deal with the law, you have a good idea of what a courtroom looks like. It’s relatively easy to spot the lawyers, due to their professional attire. As a general rule, the judge is the only person who is wearing a black robe. The attorneys address the judge…
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The Seven Convicts Who Launched a Revolution

As symbols of revolutions go, they aren’t the most inspiring examples. For one thing, they were all criminals. Yes, it is true that all would-be revolutionaries are criminals in the eyes of the establishment, but these men were not imprisoned for their political views. Most of them, in fact, are anonymous. In all the commotion…
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A Bright Mind Suggested Using Bright Light For Winning Chess Strategy

Chess presents a near-infinite number of moves. Consequently, there is no shortage of self-proclaimed experts to offer helpful advice on how to master the game. As far back as A.D. 840, when al-Adli ar-Rumi wrote Kitab ash-shatranj (The Book of Chess), novice and experienced players alike have been grateful for any tip that will give…
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It is Illegal to Sell Infants in Pennsylvania

The Commonplace Fun Facts Legal Department tells us that laws are supposed to be reasonable. Apparently, this concept doesn’t apply to legal advice, however. That one sentence generated a bill for $362.11.
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