WTF Fun Fact 13656 – Francis Ford Coppola’s Wine

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Francis Ford Coppola’s wine is his real source of wealth.

Renowned for his cinematic masterpieces like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” embarked on a journey into the wine industry in the 1970s. This venture was not a mere flight of fancy but a passionate pursuit that paralleled his illustrious filmmaking career.

Coppola’s winemaking venture, which began as a modest family tradition, evolved into a significant business enterprise.

The Rise of Coppola’s Wine Empire

In the 1990s, Coppola’s wineries gained traction, overshadowing his work in Hollywood. His dedication to the craft led to an eight-year hiatus from directing.

Remarkably, his return to the director’s chair was funded not by Hollywood studios but by the profits from his thriving wine business. This intersection of art and entrepreneurship highlights Coppola’s versatility and business acumen.

Coppola’s focus on quality and luxury is evident at his Rubicon Estate. He invests in the estate’s continual improvement, planting new vines for the prestigious Rubicon wines, which command prices above $100 per bottle.

This commitment to excellence stems from Coppola’s aspiration for Rubicon to be synonymous with “great” wines, a step above the very good wines produced by other Napa Valley vintners.

A Family Tradition Turned Business

Coppola’s foray into winemaking was rooted in family tradition, stemming from his family’s home winemaking during Prohibition. What started as a fun, personal project gradually transformed into a serious business endeavor. When neighbors expressed interest in his grapes, Coppola saw an opportunity to create something special and seized it.

Coppola’s wine portfolio is diverse, offering both high-end and affordable options. His lower-priced “Francis Ford Coppola Presents” line features brands like Rosso & Bianco and Director’s Cut, with bottles priced between $10 and $27. These wines, made with grapes from various vineyards, are accessible to a wide audience across the U.S.

In contrast, the Rubicon Estate produces wines in the $40 to $125 range, exclusively from organically certified grapes. This attention to quality and sustainability marks Coppola’s commitment to excellence in winemaking.

Coppola’s dedication has earned him respect in the wine industry. Insiders recognize him as a serious vintner, not just a Hollywood celebrity dabbling in wine. He employs top talent in Napa Valley and holds a significant presence in Sonoma County. His passion for high-quality wines and a well-thought-out business plan have garnered industry accolades.

Wine Spectator’s Acknowledgment

Coppola’s wines are poised to appear on Wine Spectator magazine’s list of best-selling U.S. wines. This recognition reflects the brand’s growing popularity and success. Industry experts like Frank Walters and Peter Marks acknowledge Coppola’s influence and the potential for even further refinement and success in the future.

Coppola’s journey in the realms of winemaking and filmmaking exemplifies how passion can drive success in diverse fields. His ability to weave his artistic vision into both cinema and viticulture showcases a rare blend of creativity and business savvy.

Coppola’s use of wine profits to finance his films is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. This unique funding approach allowed him to maintain creative control over his projects, free from the constraints of traditional Hollywood financing.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Francis Ford Coppola’s big “action” is in wine” — Reuters

WTF Fun Fact 13655 – Ice Age Fire Art

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Surviving the Ice Age required more than just hunting and gathering – there was fire art. OK, hear us out.

As they gathered around fires for warmth and safety, something more than just physical comfort emerged. This was a time for them to indulge in an artistic pursuit that continues to fascinate us today.

The Paleolithic Animator and Ice Age Fire Art

In recent research published in PLOS ONE, a team led by archaeologist Andy Needham proposed an intriguing idea. They suggested that Ice Age artists used the flickering light of fire to bring their stone carvings to life.

These 15,000-year-old limestone plaquettes, adorned with animal figures, were not just static art. Instead, under the dynamic light of a fire, they appeared to move, animating the etched creatures. Fire art!

Needham’s team studied various limestone plaquettes found at the Montastruc rock shelter in southern France. These carvings, attributed to the Magdalenian culture, showcased a range of animals like horses, ibex, and reindeer.

Interestingly, these plaquettes showed signs of thermal damage, suggesting exposure to fire. But was this intentional?

Experimental Archaeology Sheds Light

To answer this, the researchers turned to experimental archaeology. They created replica plaquettes and subjected them to different fire scenarios. These experiments aimed to replicate the pinkish discoloration seen on the originals. The results? The patterns suggested that the artworks were deliberately placed near the hearth, likely as part of the creative process.

Further exploring this idea, the team used virtual reality to simulate firelight’s effect on the plaquettes. The results were fascinating. The irregular lighting from the fire brought an illusion of movement, making the animals seem like they were alive and moving across the stone surface.

The Role of Pareidolia in Ice Age Fire Art

This phenomenon can be partly explained by pareidolia, where the human brain perceives familiar patterns in random objects. In the flickering firelight, viewers would see incomplete forms on the plaquettes. Their brains would fill in the gaps, creating a dynamic viewing experience.

The Ice Age artists might have used this to their advantage. They could start with natural rock features to shape their animals, allowing the firelight to complete the picture. This interaction between the art, the rock’s natural form, and the dynamic firelight created a captivating experience, unique to the Paleolithic era.

Beyond survival, these artistic endeavors provided a social outlet. After a day of survival tasks, our ancestors likely gathered around the fire, not just for warmth but for a communal experience. Here, they could indulge in storytelling, companionship, and artistic expression.

The act of creating art by firelight was perhaps as important as the art itself. It wasn’t just about the final product but about the process of creation, the gathering of minds, and the sharing of ideas. This communal aspect of Ice Age art adds a deeply human dimension to our understanding of these ancient peoples.

Art as a Cultural Practice

Ice Age art wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was a cultural practice imbued with meaning. The process of drawing, the summoning of spirits, and even acts of destruction (like deliberate breakage or fire damage) could have had significant roles in their society.

These artistic sessions by the firelight might have served multiple purposes – from summoning spirits to strengthening community bonds. The plaquettes, once used, could have been discarded or intentionally destroyed, suggesting a transient nature to this art form.

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Source: “Ice Age Artists May Have Used Firelight to Animate Carvings” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13654 – Mother-Child Birthday Month Connections

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Do you and your mother share a birthday month? Surprisingly, this is more common than many think.

A recent extensive study examining over ten million births has uncovered intriguing patterns in birth months within families. Not only do mothers and children often share the same birth month, but this phenomenon extends to siblings, fathers, and even between parents.

Statistical Anomalies in Mother-Child Birthday Month

This study, spanning 12 years of data, delves into the intriguing world of birth seasonality. Typically, births in a country follow a distinct pattern, with certain months seeing a higher number of births. However, when grouping births by the mothers’ birth months, an unexpected trend emerges.

Researchers noted a significant deviation from expected patterns. In families where the mother was born in a specific month, there was a noticeable increase in births during that same month.

This trend was consistent across various countries and time periods. For example, mothers born in January had a higher likelihood of giving birth in January, and this pattern repeated across all months.

The analysis revealed a 4.6% increase in births where mother and child shared the same birth month. This trend was even more pronounced among siblings, with a 12.1% increase. Furthermore, parents sharing the same birth month and children sharing a birth month with their fathers showed increases of 4.4% and 2%, respectively.

Key Influencers

What drives this fascinating trend? The study suggests that shared socio-demographic characteristics within families might play a significant role. For instance, in Spain, women with higher education are more likely to give birth in the spring. This preference can be passed down to their daughters, who also tend to have higher education and give birth in the spring, perpetuating the cycle.

Various social and biological factors, such as education levels, play a crucial role in determining a family’s birth month patterns. These factors influence not only the choice of partners but also the biological aspects of fertility, including exposure to sunlight and food availability.

In addition to social factors, biological elements also contribute to this phenomenon. Exposure to photoperiod, temperature, humidity, and food availability varies across different social groups, influencing when births occur.

This variation might explain why certain birth months are more prevalent in specific family demographics.

Research Limitations About the Birth Month Connection

Despite the compelling findings, researchers acknowledge limitations. One such limitation is the assumption of independence of outcomes within families, which might not always hold true. However, even after adjusting for this factor, the results remained consistent.

This study opens new avenues for future research, particularly in understanding how a child’s birth month impacts their health, education, and other life outcomes. It highlights the importance of considering family characteristics in birth month studies.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Mothers and children have their birthday in the same month more often than you’d think — and here’s why” — ScienceDaily

WTF Fun Fact 13653 – Vomitoriums

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The ancient vomitoriums apparently had nothing to do with vomiting at all!

The “vomitorium” has long been associated with images of ancient Romans indulging in excessive feasting only to purge themselves to eat more. However, this widespread belief is a historical misconception. The real meaning of vomitorium in Roman culture was quite different and far less grotesque.

Vomitorium are Exits

In reality, a vomitorium was an architectural feature in ancient Roman amphitheaters and stadiums. The word, derived from the Latin vomitus, which means to spew forth, referred to the large passageways that allowed crowds to exit rapidly into the streets.

These passageways were efficient in dispersing large groups of people from the venues, similar to how food is expelled from the stomach.

The false notion of the vomitorium as a place for purging after excessive eating likely stemmed from a misunderstanding of the Latin language.

It was an easy jump from “vomitorium,” a term describing the spewing of crowds, to a place for vomiting. The misinterpretation was possibly fueled by modern literature and an already existing stereotype of ancient Romans as excessively indulgent.

Literary Exaggerations

Classical texts that described Roman feasts and excesses played a role in cementing this myth. Works like Seneca’s Letters and the satirical ‘Satyricon’ by Petronius depicted scenes of lavish Roman feasts and debauchery. These descriptions, often satirical and exaggerated, influenced modern interpretations and led to the vomitorium myth.

Roman feasts, especially among the upper class, were indeed grand. They involved elaborate dishes and communal eating. Entertainment was common, with dancers and musicians adding to the festivities. Women and men dined together, which was a departure from the Greek tradition.

The feasts could include extravagant presentations, but there is no historical evidence to suggest that these gatherings included rooms specifically designated for purging.

Contrary to the image of constant overindulgence, the diets of both wealthy and poorer Romans were predominantly grain-based. The wealthy had more access to wheat and meats, while the poorer sections of society consumed more millet.

This dietary pattern indicates that while the rich could afford more lavish meals, their eating habits were not as extreme as the myth of the vomitorium would suggest.

Debunking the Myth of Vomitoriums

The vomitorium is a great example of how misconceptions can arise from misinterpretations and satirical representations. It wasn’t a space for bingeing and purging but rather an architectural innovation for crowd management.

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Source: “Purging the Myth of the Vomitorium” — Scientific American

WTF Fun Fact 13652 – The Grey Hulk Origin

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Do you know the grey Hulk origin story? Wait…did you even know there was once a GREY Hulk?

The Incredible Hulk, known for his iconic green skin and colossal strength, didn’t start off green. In 1962, Marvel Comics debuted the Hulk as a grey-skinned goliath.

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Hulk was envisioned as a misunderstood creature, akin to Quasimodo or Frankenstein’s monster. The aim was to make him relatable and devoid of any specific ethnic association.

The Unplanned Transition to Green from the Grey Hulk Origin

During the initial comic series, the colorist faced challenges with the grey ink. This inconsistency led to the Hulk’s skin appearing green in some editions. Interestingly, Stan Lee embraced this accidental green hue, and it became a defining feature of the Hulk’s character. Interestingly, the serendipitous twist gave the Hulk a distinct and now-iconic appearance.

In the world of comics, changes often get woven into the storyline. The Hulk’s color change was explained as a consequence of ongoing gamma exposure affecting Bruce Banner, the Hulk’s alter ego. As a result, the simple narrative device allowed the transition from grey to green to fit seamlessly into the Hulk’s story.

The Emergence of Grey Hulk’s Persona

The Hulk’s color change wasn’t just cosmetic. It introduced a new aspect to Bruce Banner’s persona. The Grey Hulk, also known as Joe Fixit, was an intelligent, calculating figure, quite different from the savage and primal Green Hulk. As a result, the new identity even saw the Grey Hulk working as a gangster in Las Vegas, showcasing a complex character far removed from the original concept.

Bruce Banner’s struggle with his dual identities led to a significant storyline involving therapy sessions with Doc Sampson. These sessions aimed to integrate Banner’s personalities. Eventually, they led to the creation of “The Professor,” a persona where Banner’s intellect controlled the Hulk’s strength. This concept found its way into the MCU’s “Avengers: Endgame,” where Banner and the Hulk merge into a single entity, illustrating how the character has evolved over the years.

The Impact of a Coloring Error

The Hulk’s journey from grey to green highlights how creative decisions can shape a character’s legacy. What began as a coloring issue led to an iconic change that deeply influenced the Hulk’s character development. This change not only established the Hulk’s visual identity but also paved the way for exploring multiple facets of Bruce Banner’s personality.

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Source: “Yes, The Hulk Was Originally GREY in Marvel Comics” — ScreenRant

WTF Fun Fact 13651 – Origin of the Word Whisky

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Whisky has a history as rich as its flavor. Originating from the Gaelic phrase “uisge beatha” or “usquebaugh,” whisky translates to “water of life.”

This term, deeply rooted in the Highlands of Scotland, perfectly encapsulates the essence and historical significance of this revered beverage.

Early Uses of the Word Whisky

Whisky’s journey began hundreds of years ago, likely influenced by the practices of Christian missionary monks. Its earliest mention dates back to the Scottish Exchequer Rolls of 1494, where ‘eight bolls of malt’ were allotted to Friar John Cor for making ‘aquavitae,’ an early form of whisky. This art of distillation, potentially discovered by Highland farmers, marked the beginning of a storied legacy.

Scotch whisky, initially known as the Red Stockings and later simply as ‘Reds,’ underwent significant transformations. The term ‘whisky’ became mainstream in 1881, following the Red Stockings’ expulsion from the National League due to beer sales. Despite its evolving identity, whisky remained a central part of Scottish culture and commerce.

Political Influences and Name Changes

Whisky’s history is not without its political challenges. In the 1950s, the name ‘Reds’ became politically charged due to the widespread fear of communism, known as ‘The Red Scare.’ This led to the temporary renaming of the Cincinnati Reds to the ‘Redlegs,’ a decision driven by the desire to dissociate from any communist connotations. However, the name ‘Reds’ prevailed and was officially restored in 1959.

The Art of Whisky Making Whisky making is an intricate process, preserving techniques passed down through generations. The art involves careful distillation of barley and other grains, capturing the essence of its ingredients. The spirit’s character is further shaped by aging in wooden casks, where it acquires unique flavors and a golden hue.

Whisky’s Role in Social and Economic History Throughout its history, whisky has played a significant role in society. It has been a source of economic growth, a symbol of national identity, and a staple in social gatherings. Distilleries have long contributed to local economies, while the spirit itself has been celebrated in literature, music, and art.

Today, people enjoy whisk(e)y across geographical and cultural boundaries. Its appeal lies not only in its rich flavor but also in its ability to connect people to a shared heritage. From its humble beginnings as the “water of life” to its status as a sophisticated beverage, whisky continues to captivate connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

As whisky enters a new era, it continues to evolve while maintaining its connection to tradition. Innovations in distillation and aging processes promise exciting developments in flavor profiles. Whisky festivals, tastings, and clubs foster a growing community of enthusiasts, ensuring that the legacy of this storied spirit lives on.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Origin of Scotch Whisky” — Scotch Whisky Experience

WTF Fun Fact 13556 – Quebec’s Civil Code

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Since 1981, Section 393 of Quebec’s Civil Code has forbidden women from legally taking their husbands’ surnames post-marriage.

Quebec established the law to combat societal pressure on women and to promote gender equality. However, not all women agree with the law and some find it restricting.

With this law, a woman’s maiden name remains her legal name after marriage, and she cannot change it without the authorization of the court—which isn’t an easy task.

A married couple may hyphenate each other’s surnames, and women can call themselves whatever name they’d like in an unofficial capacity. But only their birth name is legally recognized by law.

Quebec’s Civil Code Intent and Reception

The law’s primary intent was to protect women from societal pressures and ensure their freedom. However, as Dubé notes, it’s a delicate balance between protecting and improving freedom. Exceptions to the law exist, but they are rare and only apply in extreme cases. This rigidity applies even to Canadian women who relocate to Quebec after marrying in other provinces.

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, Canada’s de facto first lady, recently used a hyphenated version of her name, igniting a discussion on this topic. Despite the legal stipulations, she chooses to use both her maiden name and her husband’s surname, symbolizing her personal identity and partnership.

For many Quebec women retaining their birth names may be a significant aspect of their cultural identity. This practice signifies autonomy and self-belonging.

Cultural Shifts and Modern Perspectives

Over the years, Quebec’s approach to married names has influenced cultural norms, including the trend of parents giving children two last names. While this was popular for a time after the 1981 law, its prevalence has decreased. The law’s existence remains a crucial part of Quebec’s identity, reflecting the province’s commitment to gender equality and individual autonomy.

In the broader context, Quebec’s approach to married names remains a unique case, raising important questions about personal freedom, cultural norms, and the evolving nature of marriage and identity in modern society.

As discussions around these issues continue, it becomes evident that the choice of a name, far from being a mere formality, is deeply rooted in notions of identity, tradition, and personal freedom. Perhaps Quebec’s Civil Code will be changed to allow more women freedom over their names in the future.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Does Quebec’s ban on married names infringe on women’s rights?” — Global News

WTF Fun Fact 13550 – The Cincinnati Redlegs

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In the early 1950s, the Cincinnati Reds became the Cincinnati Redlegs after the team found their name entangled in the political tensions of the era.

As America’s fear of communism grew, particularly during the Korean War, the Reds decided to change their name to the Cincinnati Redlegs between 1953 and 1959. This decision wasn’t about sports; it was a move to distance the team from any communist associations, a concern amplified by the rise of McCarthyism.

Historical Roots and Political Pressures

The original name, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, dates back to 1869, becoming the Reds in 1881. However, the post-World War II era marked a period of heightened suspicion towards communism, often referred to as “The Red Scare.”

Senator Joseph McCarthy’s public witch hunts for communist sympathizers cast a shadow of fear across America. The term “Reds” became uncomfortably close to “Reds,” a common term for communists.

To avoid unwanted connections, the team opted for “Redlegs,” a nod to its historical roots and a safe distance from political controversy.

The Cincinnati Redlegs and Uniform Changes

During this period, some of the team’s most celebrated players, including Frank Robinson and Joe Nuxhall, played under the Redlegs banner. Despite the official name change, the team’s jerseys still sported the word “Reds,” and fans and media often continued to refer to them by their original name.

In 1956, an attempt to further avoid the “Reds” association led to jersey modifications, including a season featuring a Mr. Redlegs logo. However, these changes were short-lived.

Senator McCarthy’s influence dwindled following his senate censure in 1954 and his subsequent death in 1957. With the decline of McCarthyism, the climate of fear surrounding communism receded. By 1959, the team reclaimed its original name, the Cincinnati Reds.

The word “Reds” reappeared on their uniforms in 1961, a year marking their return to the postseason as National League pennant winners. Interestingly, the team experienced limited success as the Redlegs, with only two winning seasons during this period.

Reflections on the Reds’ Name Change

The story of the Reds becoming the Redlegs is a fascinating example of how sports can intersect with politics. It reflects a time when fear and suspicion influenced various aspects of American life, including the world of baseball. The Reds’ decision to change their name was a response to the prevailing political climate, a move to safeguard the team’s image amid national paranoia.

While the Redlegs name was relatively short-lived, it remains an interesting chapter in the team’s history. It signifies how external factors can impact sports teams and their identities. The era also reminds us of the power of names and symbols in representing and reflecting societal values and concerns.

Today, the Cincinnati Reds are firmly established with their original name, with the “Redlegs” period serving as a historical footnote. The team continues to build upon its rich history, contributing to the dynamic world of baseball while staying clear of political controversies that once led to a significant, if temporary, identity change.

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Source: “How the Reds became the Redlegs” — MLB.com

WTF Fun Fact 13649 – God Bless America

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Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” is a continuous benefactor to youth in New York City. Written in 1940, this iconic song’s royalties were dedicated by Berlin to a special fund.

Named the “God Bless America Fund,” its sole purpose was to support America’s youth, with a particular focus on the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of New York City. Over the years, this fund has channeled over $10 million into local scouting groups, significantly impacting young lives.

God Bless America Supporting the Scouts

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, led to a renewed popularity of “God Bless America.” As the song echoed across the nation, royalties surged, directly benefiting scouting organizations in NYC. Victoria G. Traube, a trustee of the fund, noted that annual royalties, typically exceeding $200,000, were expected to triple that year. This increase meant more resources for scouting programs, especially in the poorest neighborhoods of New York.

Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of New York City have been beneficiaries of this fund. They’ve historically used these funds to expand programs into underserved communities and offer opportunities to disabled and troubled children. Activities like nature hikes, cookouts, and educational field trips are just some examples of how these funds have been utilized.

A notable aspect of this support is the commitment to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the “God Bless America” fund trustees requested both scouting groups to confirm their non-discriminatory policies, including attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. Both groups affirmed their commitment to inclusivity, with the Boy Scouts of New York actively working to reverse national policies against gay scout leaders.

Berlin’s Enduring Impact

Irving Berlin’s decision to donate his song’s royalties was more than a financial gesture; it was a commitment to American youth’s future. Linda Emmet, Berlin’s daughter, reflected that her father viewed children as the country’s future and believed in supporting them.

Berlin’s involvement with scouting wasn’t just financial; he was actively engaged on the boards of both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, highlighting his dedication to these organizations.

As “God Bless America” continues to resonate across the nation, its impact on New York’s scouting programs grows. Plans are underway to use these funds to help children, including scouts, cope with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. With at least nine troop leaders lost in the tragedy, the need for support and healing is evident.

Berlin’s vision extended beyond a single song or moment in time. His commitment to America’s youth, especially in fostering outdoor education and life skills through scouting, has left an indelible mark on generations. As “God Bless America” plays on, its royalties will continue to fund adventures, learning, and growth for countless children in New York City, ensuring that Berlin’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of America’s youth.

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Source: “Irving Berlin Gave the Scouts A Gift of Song” — NYT