Funerals can be awkward events for most people. Those who show up to provide emotional support to the grieving family frequently find themselves at a loss for words. Repeated expressions of, “I’m […]
A Voice From Beyond and an Ill-Timed Joke
That Time the United States Had an Emperor
Suppose fortune fails to smile upon you. Despite your best efforts at gaining wealth, you are bankrupt and have no professional skills to speak of. You could give up and embrace a […]
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 […]
Check Out These Wacky Board Games
Admittedly, the Commonplace Fun Facts staff is not really big into board games or games in general. It probably has something to do with the “Does not play well with others” notation […]
The Woman Who Prevented a Suicide and Changed the Course of History
Have you ever heard the name of Helen Niemeyer? Perhaps you would know her by her married name, Helen Hanfstaengl? Probably not. In the crowded pages of history books, there is scarcely […]
Was He Brilliant, Lucky, or Bonkers? The Eccentric Life of Lord Timothy Dexter
In the world of eccentrics, Lord Timothy Dexter stands in a class by himself. He made several fortunes through either the keenest business instincts in history or by the wildest strokes of […]
Lincoln’s Funeral Procession and the Boys Who Saw It
The journey of Abraham Lincoln‘s body from Washington, DC to Springfield, Illinois took 13 days and was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of mourners. Solemn observers lined the tracks as the funeral […]
Old Hickory and the Profane Parrot
President Andrew Jackson was a colorful character. That description applies to his career in the military, his presidency, and his personal life. As it turns out, it also applied to his pets.
A Birth on the Way to the Burial
Greek philosopher Gorgias of Epirus (c. 485 BC – c. 380 BC) narrowly avoided being buried alive on the first day of his life. Gorgias was born inside his recently-deceased mother’s coffin. […]
The Long Goodbye
In Tana Toraja in eastern Indonesia, funerals are major events, involving a feast that may be attended by thousands and last for several days. Because of the elaborate nature of the ceremony, […]
Leaving With Approval
“I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.”– Mark Twain
William the Conqueror: Going Out With a Bang
Mourners at the funeral of William the Conqueror intended to send the great king off with a bang. They got more than they asked for.
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