An earlier Commonplace post noted that the music of Britney Spears is one of the most effective deterrents to Somali pirates. Lest that be construed as some kind of derogatory judgment on […]
The Geographic Knowledge of Britney Spears
The World Record for the Most World Records
What must it be like to be recognized as the best in the entire world at something? There can only be one recipient of the most honorary degrees, owner of the biggest […]
Which Costs More — A Volkswagen Beetle or a Stag Beetle?
If you are in the market for a beetle and you find yourself on a tight budget, which should you buy — the insect or the car that bears its name? Contrary […]
Visit the Island Where Rabbits Reign
Readers of this site know that rabbits can be fearsome creatures that have struck terror in the hearts of the President Jimmy Carter and Napoleon Bonaparte. Most people, however, think of rabbits […]
A Company with a 1,400-Year History
When it comes to having a proud corporate history, no company can outdo Japan’s Kongō Gumi Co., Ltd. Established in 578 AD, it is the oldest, continually operating company in the world.
Does Finland Really Exist?
You’ve heard the conspiracy theories about Area 51, that Paul McCartney died in 1967, and that “conspiracy theories” are just a big conspiracy. Did you know that every time you looked at […]
A Hole in One Can Make a Big Hole in Your Bank Account
For any golfer, getting a hole-in-one is a momentous experience. For Japanese golfers, it can also be incredibly expensive.
Nintendo: Cutting Edge Games — Old History
When you think of Nintendo, you probably think of Super Mario Brothers, Legend of Zelda, and the company’s never-ending progression of gaming consoles. With such high-tech products, it might surprise you that […]
Helen Keller and the Dog Breed She Brought to the USA
Helen Keller (1880-1968), the legendary speaker, author, and political activist who overcame deafness and blindness, made an often-overlooked contribution to American dog lovers; she introduced the Akita breed to the United States. […]
The Shortest National Anthem for One of the World’s Oldest Countries
If you are the impatient type, who can’t wait for the national anthem to end so your favorite sporting event can begin, then Japan may be the place for you. It holds […]
End Noodle Harassment With This Technological Marvel
Slurping. Depending on your cultural background, hearing this sound at the dinner table may be interpreted as a compliment or as an annoyance on par with fingernails on a chalkboard. If you […]
Olympic Competition Couldn’t Divide This Eternal Friendship
What happens when two highly-competitive friends go head-to-head in the biggest competition in the world? Something has to give; will it be friendship or Olympic-sized dreams? When the world’s top athletes gathered […]
Hawaii’s Special Wartime Currency
With the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States found itself preparing for the unthinkable: what would happen if Hawaii fell under Japanese occupation? One of the […]
After Escaping Cannibals, Dealing With Politicians Was Easy
In September 1944 nine US airmen were shot down over Chichi Jima, a small island 700 miles south of Tokyo, Japan. Of these nine men, only one evaded capture by the Japanese. […]
Did One Wrong Word Cause the Hiroshima Bombing?
Readers of Commonplace will not be surprised to learn that one little mistranslation from one language to another can be embarrassing. Whether it is one misplaced letter when cheering General Douglas MacArthur, an incompetent […]
