Explore the surprising history of the American flag—from chaotic early designs to the modern Stars and Stripes. Discover odd layouts, forgotten variations, and how the flag we know today finally took shape.
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Discover the pivotal role Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” played in the formation of the United States of America.
“Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting…
There may be a lot of things about the year 2020 we all want to forget, but those of us at Commonplace Fun Facts look back at the year with fond appreciation to all of our readers. A review of the final stats for the year makes us very grateful for all of the support…
Discover the strange story of the Halifax Slasher panic of 1938 and the Taipei slasher scare of 1956—two bizarre cases of mass hysteria that terrified entire cities.
Why would anyone want a glow in the dark cat? Find out why scientists have created such a thing.
All forms of international travel have one thing in common: the need for a passport. All forms of international employment have one thing in common: the need for a work visa. These facts hold throughout the world, except for one place, notable for requiring neither. Welcome to Svalbard, the one place on the planet where…
As a result of COVID-19, moviegoers have had to deal with the delay of a number of long-awaited films. If you are one of those who struggle to have the patience to endure a few months of delay, just remember that it could be worse. There is one movie that is completed but won’t grace…
Why Does a USB Drive Get Lighter as It Fills? Typically containers get heavier as you add to their contents. One notable exception to this is a USB memory flash drive.
Mnemonics are effective memory aids that help people remember names, orders, and information through patterns or associations. Examples include acronyms, phrases, and songs, such as using “ROY G. BIV” for rainbow colors and “My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming Planets” for planets’ order. They simplify learning and enhance retention.
Standing at 1,080 feet (330 meters), the Ryugyong Hotel towers over the Pyongyang skyline. The spectacular marvel of architecture has earned many distinctions. It was conceived to be the world’s tallest hotel, the world’s largest pyramid, the tallest building in North Korea, and the 7th-tallest building in the world. Today, it stands, unoccupied, and is…
The most feared Native American leader of the 19th century was a yawning man. At least, that’s what his name meant. Born on June 16, 1829, in what is now Turkey Creek, New Mexico, the baby was named Goyaałé. In the Chiricahua language, it means “The One Who Yawns.” This yawning baby of the Bedonkohe…
Skye, our official canine consultant, has remained awake throughout the night, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Although very sleepy, she is not too tired to join all of us at Commonplace Fun Facts in wishing each of our readers a blessed Christmas.
How do you envision Santa Claus? It was Washington Irving who was responsible for that image.
For all of the gift-giving, decorations, holiday music, delicious food, and festive traditions, there is no escaping the fact that the central element of Christmas is the recognition of the birth of Jesus. Efforts to further commercialize and secularize the day increase each year, but for Christians, it is one of the two highest, holiest…
