fact

WTF Fun Fact 13295 – Longest Video Game Marathon

A Canadian man named Kory Breaden from Nanaimo, British Columbia, recently broke the world record for the longest video game marathon by playing Call of Duty: War Zone for 145 hours straight on his PS5. But he hasn’t yet clinched the official Guinness Book of World Records title yet.

The record still belongs to Carrie Swidecki who played Just Dance 2015 in 2020 for 138 hours and 34 minutes. She played the game with witnesses at Otto’s Video Games and More, in Bakersfield, California from 11 to 17 July 2015.

What it takes to play the longest video game marathon

According to CTV News (cited below),

“The biggest challenges he had to overcome were technical glitches like his Zoom meeting that was used for his witnesses crashed 24 hours into playing and Breaden had to fix the problem while matches were reloading. For every 60 minutes of play, Breaden was allowed a 10-minute break which could be accumulated into longer breaks…His achievement has been submitted to the Guinness World Records for official verification.”

The Guinness Book of World Records has strict guidelines for video game marathons to ensure fair play and safety for the participants. These include mandatory rest breaks, witnesses to verify gameplay, and rules against cheating or exploiting glitches in the game.

Braedon reported that he believe he only slept for around 11.5 hours throughout the marathon. His energy came from high-protein snacks. Alas, towards the end, he switched over to “eating high-carb greasy junk food like McDonald’s fries that kept me going.”

Struggling to make it

He even suffered an injury during play. After 90 hours, his left thumb became swollen and bruised. But he continued through the pain.

Braeden admits to nearly nodding off many times toward the end and watching the John Wick movie series in the background to stay alert.

“To have all the gunshots and everything go off while I was playing, that seemed to help me power through the last couple hours,” he said. Braeden hopes eventually clinching the world record will actually open some doors for him in the gaming world and look good on his resume.

According to CTV, “Breaden says he broke other records while playing, including longest time playing a battle royale event; longest time playing a Call of Duty game; and longest time playing a first-person shooter game.”

However, the Guinness Book of World Records has yet to accept the results. It’s unclear why that is. After this feat, he slept for 18 straight hours.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Nanaimo man hopeful his 145-hour videogame session is a new world record” — CTV News, Vancouver Island

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WTF Fun Fact 13294 – Sounds of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also referred to as aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that has long stunned humans and sparked imaginative explanations. The phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field. This causes the eerie yet beautiful display of light that most of us will only see pictures of. But did you know that scientists have long been obsessed with the sounds of the Northern Lights?

The sounds of the Northern Lights

It appears that the Northern Lights also produce sound, even though they occur in the vacuum of space. According to a recent article in The Conversation (cited below), scientists have recently detected sounds associated with the aurora borealis.

People have reported hearing things for over a century. But there has never been any scientific evidence to back it up. In a 2016 Finnish study, a researcher published his confirmation that the lights really do produce sound. He even made a recording to prove that it’s audible to the human ear. But not everyone is convinced. Even those who believe the lights could make sound insist it should not be audible to the human ear.

Some scientists suggest the sounds are caused by the interaction of the sun’s charged particles with the Earth’s magnetic field. As the particles collide and interact with the magnetic field, they create vibrations. These vibrations can be picked up by specialized equipment, such as radio receivers. However, they still shouldn’t be audible to us. That’s because they’re at frequencies that are much lower than what we can hear.

A continuing mystery – or mystery solved?

According to The Conversation, a Canadian astronomer has provided the most convincing evidence of the sounds of the Northern Lights.

“The answer to this enduring mystery which has subsequently garnered the most support was first tentatively suggested in 1923 by Clarence Chant, a well-known Canadian astronomer. He argued that the motion of the northern lights alters Earth’s magnetic field, inducing changes in the electrification of the atmosphere, even at a significant distance.

This electrification produces a crackling sound much closer to Earth’s surface when it meets objects on the ground, much like the sound of static. This could take place on the observer’s clothes or spectacles, or possibly in surrounding objects including fir trees or the cladding of buildings…”

While Chant’s hypothesis went largely unnoticed in the 1920s, scientists revisited it in the 1970s.

Today, “Chant’s theory is largely accepted by scientists today, although there’s still debate as to how exactly the mechanism for producing the sound operates.”

As the author, historian of science Fiona Amery, notes:

“What is clear is that the aurora does, on rare occasions, make sounds audible to the human ear. The eerie reports of crackling, whizzing and buzzing noises accompanying the lights describe an objective audible experience – not something illusory or imagined.”

Of course, in addition to producing sound, the Northern Lights are known for their stunning visual displays. They are typically seen in places close to the Earth’s magnetic poles, such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

They’ve become a popular tourist attraction in these areas. Scientists continue to study the phenomenon in order to better understand the mechanisms behind this natural “light show.”

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Do the northern lights make sounds that you can hear?” — The Conversation

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WTF Fun Fact 13292 – Earthquake Lights

Earthquakes can generate electromagnetic waves that are detectable by animals hours or even days before the actual event occurs. This phenomenon is known as the “earthquake lights” or “seismic lightning” and is still not fully understood by scientists.

The strange phenomenon of earthquake lights

Have you ever heard of “earthquake lights” or “seismic lightning”? This phenomenon has intrigued scientists for years. The lights appear to be the result of electromagnetic waves. Their faint glow appears to be detectable by animals (and certain forms of technology).

Regardless of its origin, this phenomenon has the potential to provide valuable insights into the physics of earthquakes.

According to National Geographic (cited below), “Earthquake lights can manifest themselves in different ways, from a faint, diffuse glow on the horizon to flame-like streamers emanating from the ground.” They can appear in a variety of colors, including white, blue, yellow, and red.

These lights have been observed in various forms, including:

  • luminous clouds
  • flashes of light
  • glowing balls of light that hover over the ground

Predicting earthquakes

Studies have shown that some animals, including dogs and horses, are able to sense the electromagnetic waves produced by earthquakes. As a result, they may exhibit unusual behavior before an earthquake strikes.

Similarly, some researchers believe that the lights themselves may be an early warning sign of an impending earthquake. Eventually, this could allow us to prepare and evacuate before the shaking begins.

These lights have been observed for centuries. But they remain poorly understood by scientists who are still working to determine how and why they are produced. Some suggest that they are the result of electrical charges building up in rocks and soils under stress. Others propose that they may be related to the release of gases from the Earth’s crust.

In 1965, residents of Matsushiro, Japan, witnessed a spectacular display of earthquake lights before a major earthquake struck the area. The lights appeared as bright, white flashes that seemed to be coming from the ground. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0, caused significant damage in the region.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Earthquake Lights – Explained” — National Geographic

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WTF Fun Fact 13291 – Battle of the Oranges

The Battle of the Oranges is a festival held in Ivrea, Italy. Participants throw oranges at each other to commemorate the town’s liberation from a cruel medieval ruler. It is estimated that over 900 tons of oranges are used in the battle each year.

A medieval origin story

The city of Ivrea is located in the Piedmont region of Italy. This is where they hold the annual Battle of the Oranges, which takes place in February or March every year during the carnival season.

The battle is believed to stem from a medieval tradition. According to legend, the town of Ivrea was ruled by a cruel feudal lord during the Middle Ages. He was known for his tyrannical rule and oppressive taxes.

As the story goes, one day a young miller’s daughter named Violetta was chosen to spend a night with the lord, as was the custom of the time. However, Violetta refused to submit to the lord’s desires and instead beheaded him with his own sword.

Apparently, the townspeople were inspired by Violetta’s courage. As a result, they rose up against the lord’s soldiers and drove them out of town. To commemorate their victory, the people of Ivrea started throwing oranges at each other. The oranges symbolize the rocks that were used during the original battle.

The tradition of the Battle of the Oranges

The tradition of the Battle of the Oranges continued to evolve over the centuries. Eventually, it became a carnival event.

The festival is now divided into three days, with each day having its own unique rituals and ceremonies. The first day of the festival is called Giovedì Grasso (Fat Thursday), which marks the start of the carnival season. A large parade featuring floats, dancers, and musicians dressed in colorful costumes takes place. At the end of the parade, a large bonfire is lit in the town square. People gather around it to celebrate the start of the festival.

The second day of the festival is called Sabato Grasso (Fat Saturday). This is when the Battle of the Oranges takes place. The oranges used during the battle are specially grown for the event and are not suitable for consumption. The oranges are also carefully selected and checked to ensure that they hard enough to cause injury.

Participants in the battle wear traditional costumes. Some dress as medieval soldiers, while others are dressed as peasants or Violetta herself.

Those not participating in the battle are advised to wear protective clothing in case they get hit by the oranges.

Battle rules

The battle takes place in the city center, which is divided into nine zones. Each zone represents a different area of the town. Participants try to hit their opponents with oranges while avoiding being hit themselves. The battle lasts for several hours and ends when all the oranges have been used up.

The Battle of the Oranges is not just a fun carnival event, but it also has a deeper meaning for the people of Ivrea. It symbolizes the town’s struggle for freedom and its victory over oppression.

In recent years, the Battle of the Oranges has gained popularity and has attracted visitors from all over the world. The festival has also inspired similar “orange battles” in other parts of the world, including in Greece and Spain.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Age-Old Food Fight That Beats an Italian Town to a Pulp” — New York Times Magazine

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WTF Fun Fact 13290 – The Spring Equinox At Chichen Itza

In March, visitors flock to Mexico to celebrate the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization and is home to some of the most iconic Mayan ruins in the world. Among these ruins is the Kukulcan Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which is famous for its alignment with the spring and fall equinoxes.

Celebrating the spring equinox at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan civilization over the course of several centuries. Construction started in the 7th century CE. The site contains many impressive structures, including pyramids, temples, ball courts, and an observatory. But the most famous is the Kukulcan Pyramid.

On the day of the spring equinox each year, the pyramid is known for a visual effect known as the “serpent of light.” As the sun rises, the pyramid casts a shadow that appears to be a serpent slithering down the steps. This phenomenon is caused by the angle of the sun and the pyramid’s unique design, which incorporates 365 steps, one for each day of the year.

What’s amazing about the structure is that the architects knew astronomy so well that they could build something so large that also has such a dramatic effect at a precise moment centuries later.

The Serpent of Light

The serpent of light is a significant event for the Mayan people. They view it as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and the renewing power of the sun. Many visitors flock to Chichen Itza on the day of the spring equinox to witness this event.

In addition to the pyramid, Chichen Itza is home to many other fascinating ruins. Among them are the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory. Each of these structures has its own unique history and significance in Mayan culture.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The descent of the serpent in the Chichen Itza Equinox” — Mayan Peninsula

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WTF Fun Fact 13289 – Horoscopes and The Barnum Effect

Horoscopes have captivated people for thousands of years. For many, reading their horoscope is a daily ritual. They may even believe it provides insight into their personality, relationships, and future. But that’s because writers use vague and general statements that can apply to anyone. This phenomenon is known as the Barnum Effect.

What’s the Barnum Effect?

The Barnum Effect is a psychological phenomenon in which people believe that vague statements about their personality or circumstances are actually specific to them. The effect is named after P.T. Barnum, the 19th-century circus owner, who famously said, “there’s a sucker born every minute.”

Of course, we’re not calling people suckers; it’s just that horoscopes are deliberately written to make you feel a certain way even though they can’t possibly be directed at you.

Now, if you’re feeling superior because you would never believe in a horoscope, it might be helpful to know that personality trait tests – such as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator – are written in the same way.

Vague horoscopes

Take this horoscope, for example: “You are a creative person who enjoys new experiences and will be met with new opportunities to pursue this passion.”

This could apply to many individuals, regardless of their horoscope sign. Because people tend to see themselves in positive terms, they generally want to believe in the accuracy of these horoscopes. It’s easy to interpret this statement as a specific and accurate description of one’s personality.

Astrologers and practitioners of divination often use the Barnum Effect to make predictions applicable to just about anyone who comes their way. Skeptics argue that horoscopes are nothing more than entertainment and should not be taken seriously. (To be fair, most horoscopes come with precisely that warning.)

Despite the criticism, horoscopes remain popular with people of all ages. Many believe that their horoscope sign can provide insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with others. And lots of others see it as nothing more than harmless fun.

Horoscopes are not scientific. But they can still be a fun and entertaining way to explore the world of astrology. It’s just important not to put too much stock in their predictions and to remember that you’re in control of your destiny.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Barnum Effect: why we love astrology and personality tests” — Ness Labs

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WTF Fun Fact 13286 – U.S. St. Patrick’s Day Spending


The National Retail Federation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day survey (cited below) found that 148 million Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year, up from 139 million in 2022. This increase in celebrants is likely due to the continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and the easing of pandemic-related restrictions on gatherings and events.

St. Patrick’s Day spending hits an all-time high

Consumers plan to spend a total of $6.9 billion, or an average of $43.84 per person. That’s over $1 billion more than last year.

The NRF’s survey also found that the largest portion of St. Patrick’s Day spending will go towards food and beverages, with the average person planning to spend $35.37 on items like green beer, Irish whiskey, and traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage.

Americans are getting their Irish on via clothing and decorations too. 23% of survey respondents planned to buy green-themed clothing and accessories like hats, t-shirts, and socks. 14% planned to purchase home decorations like shamrock-themed tablecloths, napkins, and placemats.

The NRF notes this record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day spending is good news for retailers and businesses. Many of these have struggled over the past two years due to the pandemic.

With the holiday falling on a Friday in 2023, many Americans will continue to celebrate throughout the weekend. This will provide even more opportunities for spending on food, drinks, and festivities.

The NRF also notes that this is an all-ages affair.

“Although younger consumers are still more likely to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than any other age group, celebration plans among those 35 and up are on the rise. As consumers start aging out of the 18- to 34-year-old category, they’re bringing their enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day with them to the next stage in their lives. Maybe their favorite color is green, maybe they really like corned beef hash, but whatever it is, they keep coming back for more St. Patrick’s Day.”

Of course, the pandemic is not over yet, and St. Paddy’s celebrations may still be impacted by COVID-19. But with vaccines becoming more widely available, celebrations will probably be more robust this year.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How consumers are celebrating a record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day” — National Retail Federation

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WTF Fun Fact 13285 – How Blind People Dream

Have you ever wondered what blind people experience in their dreams? You’re not alone – the question of what blind people dream has intrigued researchers for years. More specifically, the question is about the dreams of those who have been blind since birth. These are people who haven’t collected visual images to fuel their dreams.

According to The Conversation (cited below):
“Humans born without sight are not able to collect visual experiences, so they understand the world entirely through their other senses. As a result, people with blindness at birth develop an amazing ability to understand the world through the collection of experiences and memories that come from these non-visual senses.”

Insights into how blind people dream

People who are born blind do dream, despite having never seen visual images. But their dreams seem to be different from those of sighted individuals. For example, instead of visual images, blind people may experience dreams that involve more vivid sensory experiences, such as sounds, smells, and touch.

The article in The Conversation by neuroscientist John J. Foxe and psychologist Andrei Gorea notes, “the visual areas of the brain are not dormant during dream sleep in congenitally blind people, but instead get co-opted for processing other senses.” This means that while blind people may not see images in their dreams, their brains are still processing sensory information. And they do this in much the same way that sighted people process visual information.

One study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found that blind individuals may have more intense and emotional dreams than sighted individuals. That’s because their brains may compensate for a lack of visual stimuli by enhancing other sensory experiences. As Foxe and Gorea explain, “this is thought to be due to the fact that the brain has to work harder to create a sensory-rich environment in the absence of visual input.”

The study also found that people who were born blind may dream more about other people and interpersonal interaction. That makes sense since blind people may rely more heavily on senses like hearing and touch to interact with others. Foxe and Gorea note that “this may result in a greater emphasis on interpersonal relationships in dream content.

Seeing dreams

Interestingly, some blind individuals really do seem to dream in visual images. This phenomenon is called “sighted dreaming.” It has been reported by some blind individuals, and researchers hypothesize that it may be related to the brain’s innate ability to construct mental images based on experiences.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the dream experiences of those who have been blind since birth. But research has given us fascinating insights into how the brain processes sensory information and uses it during dream sleep. Foxe and Gorea note: “…this research has implications…for our understanding of how the brain adapts to sensory deprivation more generally.”

Overall, the dream experiences of blind individuals continue to intrigue us. As our understanding of the brain and its functions continues to evolve, we may discover even more fascinating facts about the dream experiences of blind individuals and how they differ from those of sighted individuals.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “What do blind people experience in their dreams?” — The Conversation

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WTF Fun Fact 13284 – The Invention of Balloons

The invention of balloons goes back over 1000 years. But modern balloons didn’t come about until the 19th century.

The first balloons were made from animal bladders. People would use the bladders of animals – such as pigs, cows, and goats – to create primitive balloons for games or decor.

Ancient inflatables

The first recorded use of animal bladder balloons was in ancient China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). It is said that the balloons were used by courtiers to play a game called “Lantern at Night” where they would try to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible using only their feet.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, animal bladder balloons were popular toys for children. They would often be filled with air and decorated with drawings or painted designs.

Animal bladder balloons were not only used for entertainment purposes, but also had practical applications. For example, in the 18th century, French doctors used pig bladder balloons to perform bladder surgeries.

In ancient Mesoamerica, animal bladder balloons were used for spiritual and religious purposes. They were a symbol of the “breath of life.”

As you might imagine, the durability of animal bladder balloons was very limited. These primitive balloons would often burst or deflate quickly. It wasn’t until the invention of rubber balloons that inflatables became more durable and could hold their shape for long periods of time.

The invention of modern balloons

In 1824, English scientist Michael Faraday discovered that he could use rubber to make a balloon that would retain its shape for longer periods.

This discovery paved the way for the balloons we use today. However, today’s balloons are typically made from materials like latex or Mylar. These are obviously longer-lasting materials than rubber or animal bladders.

Of course, balloons are now known to have many negative effects on the environment. When released into the air, they often end up in the water, where they harm marine life.

Additionally, standard balloons can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Despite these concerns, balloons continue to be a popular decoration for birthday parties and weddings to parades. In the near future, there are likely to be more biodegradable choices for balloon materials.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Balloons” — Science World