In the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, Scarecrow is mortally afraid of fire. Ironically, fire should have been the least of his concerns. Scarecrow’s costume, as well as one of […]
The Wizard of Oz Snow was Pure Asbestos
Is the Risk Worth the Reward? Understanding Micromorts and Microlives
When considering whether to do something, do you ever consider the risks? If you knew that one activity would certainly bring an immediate end to your life, you probably would not be […]
How a John Wayne Movie Killed Nearly Half of its Cast and Crew
In terms of its artistic legacy, The Conqueror leaves much to be desired. Routinely making the listing of “The Worst Movies Ever Made,” the 1956 movie starring John Wayne was an unfortunate […]
Can Cows — and Cheese — Contribute To Safer Smoking?
We already reported the alarming practice of attempting to make cigarettes safe by using filters made from asbestos. If you are looking for a safer and all-organic way to introduce carcinogens into […]
The Cigarette That Mixed Asbestos With Tobacco for “Health Protection”
There have been some real head-scratching products hoisted upon an unsuspecting public. Many of these have been documented here at Commonplace Fun Facts, such as radioactive toothpaste, the cure-all medicine that caused […]
How Are You Going to Go?
When it comes to death, the only real certainty is that we all will face it eventually. As to the manner in which you are likely to leave this world, well, statisticians […]
Spider-Man is Dead. A New Hero is Born
When Aaron Purmort (1979-2014) knew that he didn’t have much time remaining to live, he wrote his own obituary, in which he made a startling revelation: “Purmort, Aaron Joseph age 35, died […]
Is the Bark Worse Than the Bite?
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, also known as Tree Bark Syndrome, is an inherited skin disorder characterized by eruptions of wart-like lesions that may occur anywhere on the body. One type of lesions are reddish […]
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