WTF • Fun • Fact    ( /dʌb(ə)lˌju/  /ti/   /ef/ • /fʌn/ • /fækt/ )

     1. noun  A random, interesting, and overall fun fact that makes you scratch your head and think what the...

WTF Fun Fact 13464 – Stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs

You may think the world of crime revolves around daring bank robberies, high-tech cyberattacks, or audacious art thefts. However, sometimes it boils down to an ‘eggstraordinary’ heist involving 200,000 stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs.

This seemingly absurd yet true tale resulted in an 18-month prison sentence for a 32-year-old man named Joby Pool.

The Tale of the Stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs

Referred to as the “Easter Bunny” by the police, Pool had pulled off a robbery that any candy-loving kid might dream of, but with serious real-world consequences. On the 11th of February, he broke into an industrial unit in Telford, UK, belonging to SW Group Logistics. With the help of a stolen lorry cab and a metal grinder, he made away with a haul worth more than £31,000 (over $42,000) – all in Cadbury Creme Eggs.

In late July of 2023, Shrewsbury Crown Court Judge Anthony Lowe passed the sentence of 18 months. Pool is to serve half of this time in prison and the other half on parole. He has already spent six months in custody, which will count towards his jail time.

A Well-Planned Heist

Prosecutor Owen Beale stressed during a previous court hearing that this was not a spur-of-the-moment act. Pool took a tractor unit with him. Beale said, “This is clearly an organized criminal matter. You don’t just happen to learn about a trailer with that kind of value being available.”

Defense lawyer Debra White pointed out that Pool had shown genuine remorse for his actions. He regrets the impact it had on his family and the business involved. However, Judge Lowe was unconvinced that Pool was the sole perpetrator in the planning of the theft. She suggested that inside information or reconnaissance was involved in identifying the valuable trailer.

West Mercia police took to Twitter to describe the incident, coining it an “eggs-travagant theft” of a “chocolate collection box”. They added, “West Mercia police has helped save Easter for Creme Egg fans after almost 200,000 of the chocolate treats were stolen.”

A Lesson Learned

Pool, hailing from Tingley, near Leeds, had previously admitted to theft, causing criminal damage to a lock at the trailer park, and driving without insurance. His conviction serves as a stern reminder of the serious consequences of such actions, however comedic they might seem on the surface.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Man who stole 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs jailed for 18 months” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13463 – Dog Poop DNA Test

If you live near a dog owner who doesn’t clean up after their pup, you can now get a dog poop DNA test to track them down.

A company named PooPrints is one of a growing number of companies that will let you send in dog poop for detective work.

Poo Prints Dog Poop DNA Test

The concept is simple, yet genius. When dogs move into a participating apartment complex or housing community, they undergo a quick DNA cheek swab. The information is then stored in PooPrints’ vast database. If someone stumbles across an abandoned pile of dog poop, a small sample can be sent to PooPrints for DNA analysis.

With the precise accuracy of these tests, annoyed residents can ask their apartment complex to quickly ID and appropriately dealt with a rude dog owner, usually through a fine.

The man behind the mission, Tom Boyd, found inspiration in his own annoyance with irresponsible pet owners. He transformed his personal pet peeve into a thriving business with PooPrints now serving clients across the US, Canada, and the UK.

Unleashing Controversy

But this is more than just a business. PooPrints is making a significant environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pet waste is as toxic to the environment as chemical spills. It’s not just an eyesore; it’s a health hazard. By helping to enforce clean-up rules, PooPrints aids in reducing these environmental hazards.

However, as with any disruptive idea, PooPrints has also seen its share of controversy. For example, people have raised privacy concerns about collecting and storing pet DNA. Critics also point out that fines can disproportionately impact lower-income pet owners.

Despite the debate, PooPrints continues to grow. While the concept might seem absurd at first, it’s an innovative solution to an everyday problem. By holding pet owners accountable, PooPrints is turning unwelcome dog poop into a tool for cleaner, more harmonious communities.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Need to track down a dog poo-petrator? There’s a DNA test for that” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13462 – Air Dropped Wolves

It’s a bird; it’s a plane – wait, it’s a helicopyer designed to accommodate air dropped wolves?!

In the vast wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, located on an island in the US Great Lakes, an unusual air-drop operation unfolded. Four Canadian wolves, transported via helicopter from their native Ontario, found themselves in new, unfamiliar territory, their mission as unique as their journey: to tackle the park’s burgeoning moose population and aid the dwindling local wolf count.

A Unique Environmental Challenge

Covering 894 square miles, Isle Royale has been grappling with an ecological imbalance. Historically, the park’s wolf population naturally kept the moose numbers in check. But the wolf count has been dwindling, leading to a surge in the moose population. This growth has put increased pressure on the island’s vegetation, threatening to destabilize the park’s ecosystem.

Adding to the challenge, in the past two decades, the formation of ice bridges – which once connected Isle Royale to the mainland – has become less frequent and less stable due to climate change. These bridges provided a pathway for new wolves to migrate to the island. Their absence left Isle Royale’s two remaining wolves effectively marooned, and prevented fresh wolf blood from bolstering the population.

The Air Dropped Wolves Solution

To rectify the situation, park authorities took an unprecedented step. Four Canadian wolves, adept at hunting moose in cold climates, were trapped in Ontario and transported via helicopter to Isle Royale. It is hoped these new additions, along with two wolves introduced in 2018, will reduce the moose population and replenish the local wolf count. Over the next five years, the National Park Service plans to bring a total of 20 to 30 wolves to the park.

The task was not without its complexities. The chosen wolves had to be neither too young nor too old, with good dental health to ensure their hunting prowess. “You don’t get to choose the wolf you trap. It could be old, young, or injured when captured,” explains John Vucetich, an ecologist leading the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale project. This project is the longest-running study of any predator-prey system globally.

The Aftermath of Air Dropping Wolves

Once on Isle Royale, the newly-arrived wolves faced a disorienting situation. Accustomed to family packs, they found themselves in unfamiliar territory, with strangers instead of pack-mates. The initial period was likely filled with tension and uncertainty as the wolves adapted to their new surroundings and learned to find food.

But the efforts are not without risks. Relocation can be perilous for these creatures, as seen when a female wolf died last fall due to sedation complications during transport.

The Road Ahead

Despite these challenges, the ongoing project underscores a significant shift in human attitudes towards wolves. Once widely distributed, wolf populations declined significantly due to human activity. Today, attitudes have changed. “Our attitudes have changed enough to decide definitively that we want to live with wolves. But we haven’t decided how to live with wolves,” says Vucetich.

Through initiatives like the Isle Royale wolf reintroduction, we’re taking steps towards that co-existence. It’s a journey that mirrors the wolves’ own: fraught with challenges but driven by a clear, necessary goal.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “‘We want to live with them’: wolves airdropped into US to tackle moose problem” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13461 – CPR Playlist

Hopefully you’ll never have to access the CPR playlist on Spotify, but it’s handy to know it’s there when you need it!

The life-saving rhythm of music

Picture this: you’re in an emergency where someone’s life hangs in the balance. The heart has stopped. The breathing’s ceased. Panic sets in. What do you do? For some, the answer may just lie in the beat of their favorite song.

In an innovative move, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has turned to music as an unexpected life-saving tool. They’ve curated a Spotify playlist with songs that have the perfect tempo for CPR compressions. The goal? To empower everyone, not just medical professionals, to perform effective CPR.

If you’ve taken a CPR course, you know that timing is everything. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute during CPR. Keeping this rhythm, though, can be challenging in the heat of the moment. Enter the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s “Songs to do CPR to” playlist on Spotify.

A playlist with a purpose

This playlist isn’t about entertainment. It’s a practical, life-saving tool. It features 47 popular songs, each one maintaining a tempo of 100 to 120 beats per minute (BPM). This rhythm perfectly mirrors the ideal rate of chest compressions during CPR.

The list brings together classics like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees and modern hits such as “Sorry” by Justin Bieber. The idea? By associating the rhythm of these familiar tunes with the pace of chest compressions, anyone can deliver effective CPR.

Hands-only CPR is simple. It involves hard and fast chest compressions in the center of the patient’s chest. This helps maintain blood flow, providing much-needed oxygen to the brain and other organs during cardiac arrest. Matching these compressions to the beat of a familiar song can help maintain the rhythm. But remember, always dial 911 first!

Changing the game with a CPR playlist

The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s playlist isn’t just a clever idea. It’s a life-saver, literally. By combining music with medical knowledge, they’ve given us a unique and memorable tool to use during cardiac emergencies. The best part? It’s not just for the trained professionals. Anyone can use this playlist to guide their CPR compressions, potentially saving a life in the process.

The use of a Spotify playlist for CPR training is a game-changer. By making CPR more accessible and memorable, it shows us how innovation can transform the way we learn life-saving skills. And who knows? The next time a favorite tune plays, you might be tapping your feet to the beat of a life-saving rhythm.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “‘Songs to do CPR to’ playlist could be a lifesaving soundtrack” — Washington Post

WTF Fun Fact 13460 – Sharks in a Lake

There’s nothing quite like the ocean. But you can get some beach time in at the lake as well. It used to be a shark-free way to enjoy the water. But not anymore since there have been more than a few reports of sharks in a lake!

If you’ve swum in certain lakes around the globe, you might have shared a swim with these fascinating creatures.

Bull sharks are freshwater fans

While Great Whites may not make an appearance in our freshwater lakes, bull sharks, notorious for their ability to survive in both salt and fresh water, do make an appearance. This survival trick is all thanks to their advanced ability to osmoregulate their livers. This allows them to adapt to varying salinity levels, unlike their fellow hammerhead or tiger sharks.

One of the largest freshwater lakes in the Americas, Lake Nicaragua, sees these adaptable creatures as regular inhabitants. The bull sharks make their way through the San Juan River. They successfully navigate through eight rapids, much like salmon, to reach the lake and may reside in the lake for several years.

They exhibit some impressive rapids-navigation abilities not seen in other bull shark populations.

Unexpected sightings of sharks in a lake

Even a seemingly innocent round of golf can turn into a shark encounter at Queensland’s Carbrook Golf Club in Australia. In 1996, a massive flood seems to have left around six bull sharks trapped in the golf course’s freshwater lake. Since then, the shark population has been a consistent feature of the club.

The bull shark presence is not limited to Australia or the Americas. In Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, bull sharks have been spotted and even caught by anglers. A boy was reportedly attacked by a bull shark in 2014 in this lake. The sharks are known to venture more into the lake during the summer. But they retreat back to the Gulf of Mexico towards the year-end.

These fascinating creatures have also been observed in Lake Janoer in New Guinea. Oh, and you might see one in Lake Izabal in Guatemala, Lake Sentani in Indonesia, and Lake Bayano in Panama. (But note that despite a few shark sighting being reported in the Great Lakes, such as Lake Michigan, those have never been scientifically confirmed.)

In a more heartwarming encounter, Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is home to a bull shark nursery. However, this particular lake may not be the best holiday destination. It holds the world record for the highest number of lightning strikes.

Freshwater lakes aren’t always shark-free

A river swim doesn’t eliminate the risk of encountering a shark. Three species of river sharks exist: the Ganges shark, the northern river shark, and the speartooth shark. These aquatic creatures can be found in the freshwater rivers in India and the brackish estuaries in northern Australia and New Guinea.

But don’t freak out (despite Summer 2023 being the year the ocean seems to be fighting back). It’s essential to remember that shark attacks, whether in the sea or a lake, are exceedingly rare. In fact, have a better chance of being bitten by a New Yorker than a shark!

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Shark-Infested Lakes Exist And You Might Have Already Swum In One” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13459 – Sausage Vending Machine

How would you feel about grabbing your lunch out of a sausage vending machine? It sounds dubious, but convenient!

The Sausage Vending Machine in Germany

You can find all sorts of oddities in vending machines around the world: cupcakes, pizza, even live crabs. However, in Germany, a new trend has emerged that satisfies late-night cravings in a distinctly German way: vending machines that sell sausages and other barbecue meats.

According to a survey by the German Press Agency, these machines are booming outside German cities where shops tend to keep shorter business hours. The convenience of 24/7 access to traditional German cuisine is proving popular, particularly in rural areas.

Satisfying Off-Hour Cravings

“Hearty German fare at the drop of a coin. There is a strong development towards the vending machine, which is used to deliver meat, milk, eggs, and other products to customers outside of core opening times,” says industry spokesperson Heike Richter.

From bratwurst to bockwurst, sausage varieties fill these innovative machines alongside punnets of potato salad for a full, traditional German meal. But the culinary offerings don’t stop at sausages. Some vending machines also stock eggs, milk, butter, and even fruits and vegetables, ensuring that all kitchen essentials are available at any time.

Vending Machine Convenience

With over 570,000 vending machines in Germany, this mode of selling has become a familiar sight. Yet, despite their popularity and convenience, vending machines are not expected to replace traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

“Vending machines will play a complementary role in brick-and-mortar retailing,” Wolfgang Kampmeier of the Berlin-Brandenburg trade association tells the Berliner Zeitung newspaper.

The machines’ real advantage lies in their ability to operate in areas where maintaining a full-service shop may not be economically viable. This way, they ensure that even in structurally weak, rural areas, residents can have access to fresh, wholesome food around the clock.

International Inspiration

Germany’s innovative use of the sausage vending machine may remind some of Japan, where vending machines have long been part of the landscape, selling everything from sake to underwear. Germany, however, has tailored this idea to its own culinary tradition, providing an on-demand service that satisfies its citizens’ penchant for hearty, homestyle cooking.

The German sausage vending machine trend illustrates how traditional cuisine can merge with modern technology, offering an unusual yet effective solution for late-night cravings and daily necessities alike. Whether it’s a bockwurst at midnight or a quick breakfast on the go, Germans have discovered an innovative way to keep their favorite foods at their fingertips 24/7.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Sausage vending machines booming in Germany

WTF Fun Fact 13458 – Taxidermied Bird Drones

Researchers often look to nature for inspiration when designing machines and devices – now scientists from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology are taking this concept a step further, building taxidermied bird drones.

Why use taxidermy bird drones?

The idea might seem disturbing or bizarre at first. A decade ago, a Dutch artist, Bart Jansen, had stirred conversation by turning a deceased, taxidermied cat into a furry quadcopter. However, the researchers from New Mexico Tech have a practical reason for their unique approach to creating ornithopters—drones that fly by flapping their wings like a bird.

Their aim is to harness the flight capabilities of birds whose lightweight bodies and flexible feathers give them remarkable maneuverability that outmatches the most sophisticated aircraft we’ve built.

According to a study presented at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech 2023 Forum, using actual bird parts can offer significant advantages over artificial materials engineered to mimic bird behavior.

The researchers believe that their bird-built drones can effectively camouflage in the air, being more likely to be ignored due to their realistic appearance. These drones may not excel in performing complex aerial maneuvers like a living bird, but they could become an essential tool in espionage or wildlife study.

From stealth to espionage

One unique advantage of using bird feathers in these taxidermied bird drones is the stealth capabilities they offer. Unlike the noticeable hum of an electric motor propelling a typical drone, a bird drone with flapping feathered wings could potentially sneak up on targets quietly without alarming them. This would be particularly useful in studying and observing wildlife in their natural habitats, without disturbing their normal behaviors. Military applications could also benefit from the stealth properties of these feathered drones, providing an innovative approach to surveillance and reconnaissance.

The current bird-built drones, however, have limitations. Unlike real birds that use their muscles to flex and shape their wings for executing intricate aerial maneuvers, these drones can only flap their stiff wings up and down to stay airborne. The challenge for the researchers lies in advancing the technology to imbue their bird drones with greater agility in flight.

The research from New Mexico Tech presents an intriguing intersection of biology and technology, pushing the boundaries of how we perceive and utilize drones. As they continue to refine their design, these bird-built drones could revolutionize areas from espionage to wildlife observation. Yet, ethical considerations, including the use of taxidermied birds, will undoubtedly be part of the ongoing discourse as this technology evolves.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Researchers Are Turning Taxidermied Birds Into Drones” — Gizmodo

WTF Fun Fact 13457 – Crocodile’s Virgin Birth

In a scientific breakthrough, researchers have recorded the first known instance of a crocodile’s virgin birth. The female American crocodile lived in isolation for 16 years at a zoo in Costa Rica.

What’s the story behind the crocodile’s virgin birth?

This incredible discovery has revealed a surprising reproductive capability in crocodiles and could provide insight into their prehistoric relatives.

In 2018, the female American crocodile, despite her solitary existence, laid 14 eggs in her enclosure, which is not an uncommon occurrence among captive reptiles. However, things took an unexpected turn when, after three months of incubation, scientists discovered a fully formed, stillborn baby crocodile in one of the eggs.

Genetic analysis of the fetus revealed that this was a result of facultative parthenogenesis (FP), a type of reproduction that occurs without the genetic contribution of males. Essentially, the mother’s egg cell developed into a baby without being fertilized by a male’s sperm cell.

Facultative parthenogenesis explained

In FP, the process of egg cell formation divides a precursor cell into four cells. One of these becomes the egg cell, retaining key cellular structures and the gel-like cytoplasm, while the others contain extra genetic material. Interestingly, one of these cells acts like a sperm cell, fusing with the egg to facilitate fertilization.

While this type of reproduction, colloquially known as a “virgin birth,” has been documented in various species of fish, birds, lizards, and snakes, this is the first-known instance in a crocodile.

The American crocodile is a vulnerable species at risk of extinction. According to one hypothesis, FP may be more prevalent among species on the brink of extinction. The discovery of this unusual reproductive strategy could have significant implications for the conservation of endangered crocodile populations.

A glimpse into the prehistoric past

This astounding discovery in Costa Rica could also open new windows into the ancient past. As the study suggests, the “virgin birth” phenomenon might offer insights into the possible reproductive capabilities of extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians and birds, specifically members of Pterosauria and Dinosauria that roamed the earth during the Triassic Period about 250 million years ago.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Scientists find crocodile ‘virgin birth’ at Costa Rica zoo” — Reuters

WTF Fun Fact 13456 – Old Coronation Chocolate

Who wants some Cadbury coronation chocolate? Ok, what if it’s 121 years old? Less appealing?

Coronation chocolate provides a taste of history

A piece of confectionery history is up for grabs as a 121-year-old tin of Cadbury chocolates heads to auction. These untouched sweets were crafted to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s coronation in 1902 was a monumental event, and Cadbury marked this royal milestone with a special batch of chocolates.

In a remarkable tale of preservation, the chocolates have remained untouched for over a century. The vanilla chocolates were a special gift to nine-year-old Mary Ann Blackmore, given to her at school during the year of the coronation. Rather than indulging in them, Mary Ann opted to keep the sweets as a keepsake of this historic event.

A sweet souvenir

Blackmore passed the prized chocolates down through her family over the years. Her granddaughter, Jean Thompson, aged 72, is the current custodian of this unique piece of heritage. She recently brought the tin to Hansons Auctioneers in Derby, setting the stage for the chocolates’ debut at auction.

Morven Fairlie, a representative of Hansons Auctioneers, highlighted the significance of this special gift. In the era the chocolates were made, children seldom had the chance to enjoy such treats. It’s easy to understand why Blackmore chose to treasure the chocolates rather than eat them.

The forthcoming auction at Hansons Auctioneers promises to attract bidders with a keen interest in royal memorabilia, history, and confectionery. Hanson’s estimates the tin of coronation chocolate will fetch between £100 and £150, but the final price could well exceed expectations if multiple bidders vie for this taste of history.

While the chocolates still emit a faint aroma of their original vanilla flavor, they are far beyond their use-by date. As Fairlie humorously added, “Nobody’s going to be eating it… but I wouldn’t want to risk it.”

— WTF fun facts

Source: “121-year-old Cadbury coronation chocolates to be sold at auction” — Sky News