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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Hope for a Nation Seen in the Holding of a Hat

March 4, 1861, dawned in Washington, D.C. It was Inauguration Day. Despite the importance of the day and the fact that it had been on the calendar for a long time, there were a lot of details that had been left unfinished. For one thing, the ceremony would be held on the steps of the…
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Linnaeus: The Father of Taxonomy and the Obviously-Fake Pelican

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), the father of modern taxonomy, created a global system to classify living organisms by genus and species, detailed in his seminal work, Systema Naturae. His classifications included thousands of species, but he also debunked mythical creatures, exemplifying the blend of rigorous science and the era’s fantastical beliefs.
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The Man Who Suggested Moving the Whole Solar System

When it comes to recognizing those who dare to dream grand and lofty goals, don’t forget to include the man who proposed moving our entire solar system.
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Writers of Law Sentence You to Read Sentences

Lawyers are expected to use long, complicated sentences. Many attorneys pride themselves on their ability to use unnecessarily-complicated words and phrases. Sometimes, however, even those within the profession will cry foul at the sight of some of the lexicon-entangled gobbledygook written by members of the bar.
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The World’s Smallest Prison Keeps Sark’s Shadiest Characters Under Lock and Key

For such a small piece of real estate, the island of Sark has proven to be a treasure trove of interest for us at Commonplace Fun Facts. As previously detailed, it was once attacked by an invasion force of one person, and the entire island is rented from the British crown for £1.79 — an…
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The World Record Game Where the Most Goals Were Earned By the Losing Team

Spectators at the soccer (association football) match in Antananarivo, Madagascar on October 31, 2002 witnessed history. As if it were guided by a homing device, the ball flew repeatedly into SO l’Emyrne’s goal, sending AS Adema’s score into unprecedented territory. When the game came to an end, the score at a staggering 149 to zero.…
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Do You Have What it Takes to Master “The Knowledge”?

A trip to London invariably involves visits to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and countless other iconic locations. One of the best ways to see all of these sights is by way of another London trademark: the black cab. Not only is the black cab a convenient way to travel, but…
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H.G. Wells, the Unrepentant Hat Thief

H.G. Wells (1866-1946) was one of the most accomplished writers of all time. As author of such classics as The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, and The Invisible Man, he is often regarded as the father of modern science fiction. He had another title to add to his resume: hat thief.
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Sir Nevill Mott: The Absent-Minded Nobel Laureate

Sir Nevill Francis Mott (1905-1996) won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1977. He was a professor at the University of Manchester, Cambridge, and the University of Bristol. His students remember him as brilliant — and a bit batty. He was, by all accounts, the quintessential absent-minded professor.
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The Schleswig-Holstein Question: A Diplomatic Solution So Complex That No One Remembers It

The 19th century conflict over Schleswig and Holstein, known as the Schleswig-Holstein Question, perplexed even seasoned diplomats. Lord Palmerston humorously remarked that only three men in Europe understood it, one of whom had forgotten it. This illustrates the complexity of international relations, even for professionals.
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The Danger of Political Jokes

The ultimate test of a comedian’s greatness is the timelessness of his or her humor. Has there ever been a time when Bob Hope’s observation about politics wasn’t true? “I don’t do a lot of political jokes,” he quipped. “Too many are getting elected.”
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Abraham Lincoln: Animal Lover-in-Chief

Entire libraries could be filled with books about President Abraham Lincoln. Historians have rightfully praised his vision, intellect, humor, courage, and determination. Any study into the life of this extraordinary man would be incomplete without acknowledging that he was one of the biggest animal lovers to ever reside at the White House.
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There May Be More Tigers in Texas Than Roaming Wild in the Rest of the World

If you want to find a lot of tigers, most of us would imagine a journey to India or western Asia. Few would think to plan a trip to Texas. Even so, that may be a better use of your time. As unlikely as it may seem, there may be more tigers living in captivity…
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Sugar Ray Robinson’s Deadly Dream that Came True

Sugar Ray Robinson (born Walker Smith Jr. (1921 – 1989) is considered one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. By rising to the top of his profession, Robinson’s childhood dreams came true. Sadly and tragically, another of his dreams turned into reality, and it haunted Robinson for the rest of his life.
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Wisdom, Wit, and Reflections From Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein accomplished so much and influenced so much more that it is sometimes hard to separate the man from the myth. It is also difficult to reconcile that the brain that changed the world with E=MC2 could simultaneously make his confidants chuckle with his wry wit.
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