Take a close look at the face of the man in the picture above. Do you recognize him? Look again. You have seen his face more times than you can count, but […]
The Face Behind the Most-Famous Self Portrait
Merry Christmas!
Skye, the official Commonplace Fun Facts Canine Consultant, Contributor, and Commander-in-Chief has remained vigilant throughout the night to safeguard Santa’s passage down the chimney.
Finland’s Reflecting Reindeer Plan … And How It Turned Out
Once upon a time, there was a reindeer. It was a very special reindeer because part of its body glowed brightly in the night. If it weren’t for that unnatural light source, […]
Thank the Creator of the Headless Horseman for Your Favorite American Christmas Traditions
There are certain people who figure prominently in the development of Christmas traditions. What would Christmas be like without Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Thomas Nast’s depiction of Santa, or Clement Moore’s immortal […]
The Jolly Old Elf With a Jolly Ol’ Address
Many people have difficulty remembering to stay on Santa’s “Nice” list throughout the year, but remembering his address is much simpler.
Iceland’s Terrifying Christmas Traditions
Although Christmas is generally considered the most joyous of holidays, it does generate its share of stress. The pressure of Christmas shopping, meal planning, and holiday travel can cause anxiety for even […]
What Happened to Cause the Doomsday Phone to Ring Off the Hook?
The red phone rang repeatedly. It was The Phone — the phone designated for calls that went well beyond the classification of “urgent.” This phone was used to signal the end of […]
Red Suit, White Beard, and the Infinity Gauntlet?
Santa clearly knows who has been naughty and who has been nice, but what if he had the power to snap his fingers and wipe those on the Naughty List out of […]
How Much Do You Know About Christmas?
Now that Christmas is behind us for one more year, it is time to see just how much of the holiday traditions you know. Consider these Christmas fun facts: What’s so special […]
Making a List of Who is Naughty, Nice, and Who Will Be Eaten
Not content with just one Santa Claus, Iceland has thirteen of them. Known as “Jolasveinar” or “Yule Lads,” they are the sons of the trolls Gryla and Leppaludi, who would eat children […]
Another First for the American Space Program
On December 16, 1965, astronauts Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra were on Gemini 6 when they transmitted the following message: “Gemini VII, this is Gemini VI. We have an object, looks like […]
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