When you get to the end of your days, the last thing you want to hear is the solemn proclamation that you were responsible for nothing. You would likely defend yourself against […]
Why Hanson Gregory is Remembered for Inventing Nothing
A Bright Mind Suggested Using Bright Light For Winning Chess Strategy
Chess presents a near-infinite number of moves. Consequently, there is no shortage of self-proclaimed experts to offer helpful advice on how to master the game. As far back as A.D. 840, when […]
What Happens When You Declare War and Forget About It?
Robert E. Lee famously said, “It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.” Whether terrible or otherwise, war should be so significant that it […]
How Did Scotland’s Imperial Plans Destroy Its Independence?
In 1314, King Robert the Bruce led Scotland to a heroic victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. The unlikely trouncing of one of the world’s mightiest armies boldly proclaimed […]
Catalonian Children Celebrate Christmas By Bludgeoning a Pooping Piece of Tree
Christmas. The very word brings to mind countless images, such as the birth of Christ, religious traditions, family gatherings, gift exchanges, Christmas carols, tasty morsels, and poop. Wait… was that last word […]
The History of the Country That Existed for Six Hours
There is some debate about which country has the honor of being the oldest nation in the world. When it comes to the other extreme, it is hard to beat the Russian Democratic […]
The Island that Switches Countries Every Six Months
If you want to experience international travel without ever leaving your home, you might want to consider living on Pheasant Island. This island has the distinction of belonging to one country for […]
Singing These National Anthems Will Leave You Speechless
Readers of Commonplace know about the world’s shortest national anthem, and the longest national anthem. When it comes to learning the official lyrics for national anthems, there are four countries that make […]
Treat Your Senses — Empty Your Wallet
If you want to do more than simply satisfy the munchies with a quick snack, you might consider a visit to Sublimotion. A word to the wise, though: it’s going to cost […]
I Wonder What the Penalty Is For Disobedience?
When the town of Lanjaron, Spain found itself running out of space at its cemetery, the mayor came up with a creative solution: he made dying illegal. Mayor Jose Rubio issued an […]
Death Comes from Above
How can suicide be the cause of death and not be self-inflicted? How about when the suicide of one person causes the death of another? Such an unfortunate event happened on August […]
Looking for a Hot Deal on Some Real Estate?
When Maria Angeles Duran of Vigo, Spain started her real estate venture, she knew there was great demand to purchase property that gets plenty of sunlight. What better place than the source […]
Someone Needs to Pour Some Chlorine In That Gene Pool
Charles II of Spain (1661-1700) is widely regarded as one of the least competent kings to have reigned. He was the unhappy result of over a century of inbreeding within the Hapsburg […]
Taking a Gamble With Town Politics
In 2011 Granen, a small Spanish town on the brink of economic collapse, bet in the world’s largest lottery and won €700 million ($761,110,000). source
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