No one wants to run into a shark while swimming. A shark’s bite can definitely ruin your day. There is, however, another species that seems far more likely to take a chomp […]
New Yorkers Are More Dangerous Biters Than Sharks
That Time a Prime Minister Got Drunk and Called a National Election
As a public service, we at Commonplace Fun Facts remind our readers that there are a lot of good reasons to avoid alcohol. It is detrimental to your health, is addictive, impairs […]
Saddam Hussein Used ‘I Will Always Love You’ As His Campaign Theme Song
Political campaigns and popular music seem to go together. Whether it is “Happy Days Are Here Again” in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1932 campaign, John F. Kennedy’s use of “High Hopes” in 1960, […]
What Was the Original Purpose of a Strip Search?
In compiling your list of the things you’d like to do over the holidays, it’s highly unlikely participating in a strip search is anywhere close to the top of the list. If […]
5 to 8 Percent of Your DNA Isn’t Human
Remember your seventh grade Home Economics teacher who screamed, “You’re burning your oleo!” as you tried to make rice crispy cookies? Or what about that guy at the bus stop who looks […]
Which Presidents Took the Oath of Office the Most Times?
Presidential trivia aficionados are quick to identify the president who was in office the least amount of time (William Henry Harrison) and the one who served the longest (Franklin D. Roosevelt). There […]
Do You Have a Fear of Dinner Conversation?
Do you cringe at the prospect of having to endure one more social gathering? Do you find yourself tongue-tied at the seemingly-impossible task of engaging in small talk over dinner? Would you […]
Back When Children Played With Uranium
With the approach of Christmas, you might be wondering what to buy for the young budding scientist on your shopping list. An Albert Einstein bobble head? Monster scientist Lego kit? Periodic Table […]
TV’s Historic and Forgotten ‘The Television Ghost’
It is August 17, 1931, and you are one of the very few who are sufficiently fortunate and wealthy to own the latest technological gizmo. It is a radio that allows you […]
Photographers Used to Tell Subjects to Say ‘Prunes’ Instead of ‘Cheese’
Compare photographs from the late 19th century with those of today. Aside from the obvious differences, such as color and changes in fashion, there is one big difference that stands out: no […]
What Is the Most You Can Win in Jeopardy?
Let’s assume you are a person of unmatched intelligence. You know every detail of all the obscure realms of human knowledge. On top of that, you have reflexes that are second to […]
Relativity and Fine Fashion Sense
Unquestionably, Albert Einstein had one of the greatest minds of all time. Even the most casual student of science associates the great man with relativity, unlocking the secrets of the atom, and […]
Vinegar Valentines — When You Care Enough to Send Something Truly Insulting
The Victorian era is remembered for its civility and good manners. Valentine’s Day cards are synonymous with love and affection. Theoretically, that period should have produced nothing but elegant, heart-warming cards that […]
You May Be a Member of the Militia Without Knowing It
Do you like to watch war movies? Do you dream of performing heroic deeds? Do you wonder how snappy you would look in a military uniform? Can you see yourself in the […]
The First Attempted Murder in Antarctica Was Because of Spoiling the Ending of a Book
We are generally a bunch of law-and-order types here at Commonplace Fun Facts, and we cannot condone the wanton violation of the law. That being said, there are times when even the […]
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