Nikola Tesla is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters of the modern age. His genius and eccentricity have sparked countless discussions concerning his contributions to science and his wasted opportunities. […]
Visit the peaceful locale of Stephen’s Island, located between the two main islands of New Zealand, and you will be impressed by the breathtaking beauty. Although only 1.5 km2 in area, it […]
When the paintings of Pierre Brassau were released for public viewing in 1964, the artistic community was lavish in its praise. Rolf Anderberg of the Göteborgs-Posten wrote, “Brassau paints with powerful strokes, […]
During World War I, citizens of Paris were quick to contribute to the war effort in any way possible. Parisians of all walks of left chipped in, whether poor or rich, young […]
Everyone knows the names of Neil Armstrong, Charles Lindbergh, Ferdinand Magellan, and other brave pioneers who were the first to accomplish feats that were theretofore only dreamed of. Although you may know […]
Many faces — famous and not-so-famous — have appeared on U.S. currency. You may have studied the solemn faces on the front of coins and paper money and wondered about the men […]
The athletic world was rocked by the news that the Jules Rimet Trophy — the premier prize in soccer — had been stolen. The date was March 20, 1966, and England was […]
When the vicious, decapitating Rabbit of Caerbannog appeared in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, most people thought it was humorous. If Napoleon Bonaparte and Jimmy Carter had watched the film, it’s doubtful […]
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) knew the value of a faithful friend. Maybe that’s why he acquired a yellow mixed-breed dog in 1855 when he lived in Springfield, Illinois. The future President named the […]
The winter of 1306 found Scotland’s Robert the Bruce on the verge of giving up. Having just been crowned King of Scots on March 25 (and again on March 27) of that […]
In 1932 the emu population of Australia was getting out of control. With more than 20,000 of the massive birds running loose, they were destroying crops and making a general nuisance of […]
George Washington’s love for dogs was legendary. His journals list more than 30 dogs that could claim the Father of Our Country as master. Included among them were Greyhounds, Briards, Newfoundlands, Poodles, and various […]
Six monkeys named Albert were among earth’s first astronauts. Albert I, a rhesus monkey, rode to over 63 km (39 mi) on a V2 rocket on June 11, 1948 . Albert died […]
Aeschylus, the great Athenian author of tragedies, died in 455 BC. He was killed when an eagle mistook his head for a rock and tried to crack a tortoise’s shell by dropping […]
According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds first realized the profound caffeinating effects of coffee when they noticed their goats started “dancing” after eating coffee berries. source
Commonplace Fun Facts 