Taking a stroll to the end of the street might be just the thing so you can get some fresh air and get the blood flowing. If you happen to be staying […]
Take a Stroll Down the World’s Shortest Street
Welcome to the Land Wanted By No Nation
There’s nothing unique about disputed territory. It is one of the most common causes of war. When two nations cannot agree on who holds the right to possess a piece of real […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Sherlock Holmes’ Author Was Tricked Into Believing in Fairies
Humanity has been looking for proof of the paranormal for a long time. Many people insist there is more to the world than the things most of us see. Skeptics need evidence, […]
Big Brother Keeps an Eye on Orwell Home
George Orwell’s novel 1984 took the world by storm when it was published in 1949. It told the story of a dystopian future where the government maintained control by keeping a close […]
A Silly Candidate With a Silly Name for Silly Times
Most candidates for political office have lofty goals for the betterment of society. They put themselves through the ordeal of a campaign with aspirations of influencing policy and making a difference. John […]
The Unkillable General Adrian Carton de Wiart
In the realm of science fiction, one of the most formidable fighters of all time is a Terminator. These robotic soldiers from the future are the ultimate killing machine because they are […]
Understanding the Different Types of Queens
When it comes to queens, there are all sorts. There are bees, playing cards, rock-and-roll bands, and men who wear women’s clothing. And, of course, there is “The Queen,” the one person […]
Did a Monkey Get Hanged For Being a French Spy?
Just when we thought we had thoroughly combed the historical record and reported all interesting tidbits on a subject, we are reminded that there is no limit to strange stories from the […]
An Argument Over an Unpaid Wig Triggered the American Revolution
The greatest historical events can be triggered by the smallest of incidents. This is especially true of warfare. There is the bloody war that was fought over a bucket. Another war was […]
The Crazy Plan to Raise Hippos for Food in the USA
EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to the office of Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (4th District, Missouri) for providing the legislative history on the American Hippo Bill. Who doesn’t enjoy a good ol’ slab of […]
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 […]
George and His Stamp Collection
George had a thing for postage stamps. You might say it was his passion.
When Whistling Was a War Crime
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy describes the Marketing Department of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation as: “A bunch of mindless jerks who’ll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.” […]
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