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, […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
If you are one of those people who have difficulty remembering the rules for games, you may wish to avoid Magic. It has been classified as the most complex game in existence. […]
As summer ends and students return to school, it is appropriate to take a moment and reflect on one of the things that is as indispensable to studies as notebooks and backpacks: […]
The military is structured around the rank system. From the first day of boot camp, soldiers are taught that authority, responsibility, and privilege all hinge upon rank. Few soldiers experienced such a […]
The Disney theme parks are billed as being the most magical places on earth. Millions of visitors flock to the parks each year to escape from the cares of everyday life. In […]
Those who follow the news about fast food, architecture, and apiology were all abuzz with a development that was as sweet as honey. Sweden recently opened the doors to the world’s smallest […]
When you want to say a mouthful with just one word, you can do it with “Mamihlapinatapai.” Coming from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego, it refers to “a look that […]
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935) is one of the most-widely quotes Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. His concise and pithy judicial opinions reflect his sharp and creative […]
They say some people are like Slinky’s — they’re not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. If […]
F.D.C. Willard was 7 years old when he became a published researcher. As you might expect with someone so gifted at such a young age, there were some difficulties in coping with […]
Despite all the advertisements telling us about the lavish lifestyle that comes to the winners of the lottery, most of us know that buying lottery tickets is just a less efficient means […]
If we at Commonplace ever find ourselves at a loss for something to write about, the Ig Nobel prizes are sure to be a goldmine of inspiration. One of the 2005 laureates […]
