The English language is robustly filled with many homonyms — words that have multiple meanings. The word bark can refer to the outer covering of a tree as well as the sound […]
What English Word Holds the Record for the Most Definitions?
How Many Licks Does it Take To Get to the Tootsie Roll Center of a Tootsie Pop?
In 1970, the world was asked the question, “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” The question was posed in an animated […]
How a Little “Common Sense” Created the United States of America
Americans remember 1776 as the year of revolution, but it didn’t start that way. As 1775 turned into 1776, the people of the thirteen American colonies of the United Kingdom considered themselves […]
Thanks to All Our Readers
There may be a lot of things about the year 2020 we all want to forget, but those of us at Commonplace Fun Facts look back at the year with fond appreciation […]
Scientists Create Glow-in-the-Dark Cat — Because Normal Cats Apparently Aren’t Already Sufficiently Weird or Freaky
Let’s face it — not everyone is a cat lover. Cats tend to be aloof, antisocial, and a wee bit bipolar when deciding whether to be affectionate or homicidal. As if all […]
North Korea’s Spectacular and Embarrassing Hotel of Doom
Standing at 1,080 feet (330 meters), the Ryugyong Hotel towers over the Pyongyang skyline. The spectacular marvel of architecture has earned many distinctions. It was conceived to be the world’s tallest hotel, […]
Dreams So Powerful That They Shaped History
Scientists, philosophers, and theologians have long pondered and theorized about dreams. What are they? What causes them? What purpose do they serve? The debates about dreams continue, but one thing is certain: […]
A Crazy, Messed Up, Fraudulent, Stolen Election — (Not the One You’re Thinking Of)
The Presidential election was an absolute mess. After a long, nasty, contentious campaign, the voting was over, but the outcome was far from clear. Both sides claimed victory. The Democrats pointed to […]
Meet the Man Who Sold the Brooklyn Bridge Over 3,000 Times
If a stranger approached you, saying, “Hey, Buddy…. I have a bridge to sell. Are you interested?” Odds are that you would quickly put your hand over your wallet and hurry away. […]
There’s No Match for the Chameleon Who Can Sit Atop a Match
When you imagine a chameleon, you picture a creature who eludes discovery by changing colors and blending into its surroundings. There is a newly-discovered member of the chameleon clan who employs an […]
How Did a 25-inch Parcel of Land Become New York’s Smallest Piece of Real Estate?
New York City is a place where everything is big. It is the Big Apple. It has enormous skyscrapers. It is the largest city in the United States. Its rental prices are […]
How a Melted Candy Bar Revolutionized Everyday Life
Percy reached in his pocket and retrieved a melted candy bar, and it changed the world. It may seem strange that such a seemingly-trivial event would have such profound ramifications. After all, […]
The Man Who Suggested Moving the Whole Solar System
When it comes to recognizing those who dare to dream grand and lofty goals, don’t forget to include the man who proposed moving our entire solar system.
The World’s Smallest Prison Keeps Sark’s Shadiest Characters Under Lock and Key
For such a small piece of real estate, the island of Sark has proven to be a treasure trove of interest for us at Commonplace Fun Facts. As previously detailed, it was […]
The World Record Game Where the Most Goals Were Earned By the Losing Team
Spectators at the soccer (association football) match in Antananarivo, Madagascar on October 31, 2002 witnessed history. As if it were guided by a homing device, the ball flew repeatedly into SO l’Emyrne’s […]
