fun facts

WTF Fun Fact 13497 – “Weightless,” The Most Relaxing Song

Every so often, a song stands out for its ability to profoundly affect listeners. One such track is “Weightless” by Marconi Union. This is widely known as the most relaxing song ever. But what makes it so uniquely tranquilizing?

The Creation of “Weightless”

The British ambient music trio Marconi Union collaborated with sound therapists when composing “Weightless.” Their objective was straightforward: to create a song that would induce a tangible state of relaxation in listeners. The track wasn’t just randomly composed; every element was intentionally selected to produce a calming effect.

The Science of Stress Reduction and the Most Relaxing Song

Research has shown that music has a direct effect on our physiological and emotional states. Fast beats can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Slower, more mellow rhythms typically induce relaxation.

In a unique study, neuroscientists wanted to determine the most relaxing songs and how they influence stress markers. Among the tracks tested, “Weightless” stood out, reducing anxiety levels by up to 65%.

Sonic Components of “Weightless”

So, what components of “Weightless” make it an aural sedative? Here are a few:

  • Rhythm: The track begins at a tempo of 60 beats per minute and gradually decreases to around 50. As listeners sync with this rhythm, their heart rate and blood pressure drop, inducing a state of calm.
  • Tonal Arrangement: Harmonious patterns and lack of sudden tonal changes mean the brain doesn’t need to predict or process any jarring shifts in the music. This reduces the brain’s cognitive load, leading to relaxation.
  • Bass Frequencies: Deep, resonating undertones create a soothing atmosphere.

The Most Relaxing Song is Not Good Driving Music

The effects of “Weightless” were so potent that some participants in studies reported feeling drowsy. As a result, people were advised not to listen to the song while driving. This speaks volumes about the song’s relaxation capabilities; it can be likened to the effects of certain medicinal interventions.

The original track spans over eight minutes, a deliberate choice. This extended playtime allows listeners to sink deeper into relaxation as they become more immersed in the soundscapes. The ebb and flow of its harmonies gives listeners time to truly disengage from any immediate stresses and focus solely on the music.

“Weightless” also incorporates the gentle sounds of nature. The distant chirping of birds and the soft murmuring of water both contribute to a soundscape that recalls tranquil natural settings, further promoting relaxation.

The Power of Expectation

There’s also a psychological element to consider. As “Weightless” gained fame as the most relaxing track, listeners approached it with an expectation of calm. This priming can enhance the song’s effects. If you believe something will relax you, it’s more likely to do so.

Want to see what effect is has on you? Have a listen:

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Weightless by Marconi Union: ‘World’s most relaxing song’ used to calm patients before surgery” — The Independent

WTF Fun Fact 13478 – Dolphins May Use Parentese Voice

Do dolphin moms use baby talk, also known as a parentese voice? It’s hard to know for sure, but researchers think this might be the case.

What is a parentese voice?

Just like humans resort to baby talk when interacting with infants, bottlenose dolphins employ similar tactics. Studies indicate that bottlenose dolphin mothers alter their whistle pitches in the presence of their calves. This behavioral adjustment, often termed “parentese,” is thought to enhance calf attention, promoting bonding and facilitating vocal learning.

Every common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) establishes a unique whistle within the initial months of its existence. These distinctive whistles function as names, enabling dolphins to identify and keep track of each other in the vast waters, explains Laela Sayigh (in the article cited below), a marine biologist at the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

However, interestingly, dolphin mothers seem to modify their whistles when interacting with their young ones. These calves typically stay with their mothers for three to six years, allowing ample opportunity for communication.

Sayigh initially noticed this modulation in motherly dolphin tunes during a 2009 study conducted by one of her students. The research didn’t delve deeper into this observation at the time. Recently, Sayigh and her colleagues revisited this phenomenon, analyzing signature whistles from 19 female dolphins, both in the presence and absence of their calves.

This study focused on a wild dolphin population residing near Sarasota Bay, Florida, a community that has been under scientific observation for over five decades. The scientists scrutinized 40 instances of each dolphin’s signature whistle, half of which were vocalized when their calf was nearby.

Analyzing the Dolphin Parentese Voice

The research unveiled that the mother dolphins employed a broader pitch range when their young ones were around. On average, the highest pitch was slightly higher, and the lowest pitch somewhat lower than when the calves were absent. These changes strikingly mirror the characteristics of human baby talk, claims Sayigh.

A comparison between dolphin whistles in the presence and absence of calves illustrates the pronounced change in pitch. Much like human caregivers, who use real words but distinct inflections while interacting with babies, dolphins too exhibited higher pitches and a broader pitch range.

Studying Dolphin Communication

Despite these intriguing findings, some researchers like Quincy Gibson, director of dolphin research at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, caution that the study’s observations were made during catch-and-release situations. For a comprehensive understanding of dolphin communication, it’s crucial to observe and listen to freely swimming dolphin mothers, she suggests.

Mauricio Cantor, who studies animal behavior at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, points out the speculative nature of attributing similar roles of ‘parentese’ in humans and dolphins. Absolute certainty in this matter is unachievable until we can understand dolphins’ actual intentions behind these actions, he argues.

Nevertheless, Sayigh contends that it’s fascinating to witness potential similarities in how different species communicate with their infants. This study paves the way for further exploration into the intricate world of dolphin communication.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Bottlenose dolphin moms baby talk when their calves are near” — ScienceNews

WTF Fun Fact 13474 – Once There Were No Mosquitos in Hawaii

Believe it or not, there were no mosquitoes in Hawaii until the 19th century.

In its early days, Hawaii was a natural utopia, a paradise that existed free of the annoying whine and itchy bites of mosquitoes. Native flora and fauna thrived without the interference of these bloodsuckers. This absence wasn’t by chance, though. Hawaii’s remoteness, surrounded by thousands of miles of open ocean, formed a natural barrier that kept mosquitoes, among other things, away.

The End of No Mosquitos in Hawaii

Everything changed in the early 19th century when mosquitoes finally found their way to the Hawaiian Islands. Brought inadvertently by humans, the first recorded arrival was in 1826 on a trading ship. The invasive species soon adapted to the tropical climate and began to breed in the islands’ plentiful standing water sources, spelling trouble for both the local ecosystem and the human population.

The Mosquito’s Impact on the Hawaiian Ecosystem

Once mosquitoes gained a foothold, the repercussions were significant. Hawaii’s native bird populations suffered drastically. Mosquitoes brought avian malaria and avian pox, diseases to which the indigenous birds had no immunity. This resulted in a significant decrease in bird populations, leading some species to the brink of extinction. The Hawaiian honeycreeper, for example, experienced a substantial decline, with some species entirely wiped out.

Humans also felt the effects of the mosquito invasion. Initially, the islands’ residents were not accustomed to the nuisance of mosquitoes. However, more than just a nuisance, mosquitoes brought diseases like dengue fever and the Zika virus, threatening public health. Moreover, tourism, a significant part of Hawaii’s economy, took a hit as the presence of these pests and the diseases they carried became a deterrent for some tourists.

Current Efforts to Control Mosquito Populations

Today, efforts are underway to control mosquito populations and mitigate their impacts on Hawaii’s ecosystem. Measures such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, and introducing mosquito predators like dragonflies are part of the strategy. In addition, genetic modification technologies are being explored to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to reproduce or carry diseases.

The late arrival of mosquitoes in Hawaii is a stark reminder of the profound effects human activities can have on isolated ecosystems. Even an event as seemingly minor as a mosquito stowing away on a ship can disrupt a delicate balance, causing ripple effects that last for centuries.

Gone are the days when there were no mosquitos in Hawaii. As the islands grapple with the ongoing challenges presented by mosquitoes, this tale provides valuable lessons about the importance of protecting the world’s unique environments from invasive species.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Plan to Restore a Mosquito-Free Hawaii” — Revive & Restore

WTF Fun Fact 13473 – The Greyhound Saint of Lyon

Have you heard of Guinefort, the greyhound saint of Lyon, France?

The Legend of Guinefort, the Greyhound Saint

Guinefort’s story begins in the 13th century, nestled in the noble family of a knight who lived in a castle near Lyon. The knight had a faithful greyhound named Guinefort, who was entrusted with the protection of the knight’s infant son.

As the story goes, one day, the knight returned to his castle to find his baby’s cradle overturned, with Guinefort standing nearby, blood smeared on his muzzle. Assuming the worst, the knight believed Guinefort had harmed his child. In a fit of rage and grief, he slew the greyhound before discovering his infant son alive beneath the cradle, next to the lifeless body of a viper.

Guinefort, it turned out, had defended the child, killing the snake and saving the baby’s life.

The knight was filled with remorse and buried Guinefort in a well, planting trees around it as a memorial.

An Unconventional Saint

The story of Guinefort’s bravery and loyalty spread among the local people. They began to view the dog as a protector of infants, venerating him as a saint despite his canine status. A cult formed around Guinefort, with rituals involving mothers bringing their infants to his grave to seek his protection.

In the centuries that followed, Guinefort’s reputation as a protector of children persisted. Mothers continued to visit the grave, offering prayers and leaving tokens in the hope of invoking his protection.

The Church’s Stand on the Greyhound Saint

However, the veneration of a dog as a saint did not sit well with the Church. In the 13th century, Inquisitor Stephen of Bourbon discovered the cult and was horrified. He ordered the destruction of Guinefort’s shrine and condemned the practice, declaring it as heresy.

Despite these attempts, the cult of Saint Guinefort survived quietly among the local populace, passed down through generations. Even today, tales of the greyhound saint are still told in the region, keeping the legend alive.

The Greyhound Saint’s Cultural Impact

Guinefort’s story is not just a tale of a loyal dog. It has deeper cultural implications, reflecting the medieval society’s fears, beliefs, and social practices. The legend of Guinefort demonstrates the power of folklore and the human tendency to seek protectors and intercessors in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

There are still references to Guinefort in literature, film, and even video games. His tale continues to captivate, providing a unique perspective on faith, folklore, and our relationship with animals.

While the original shrine no longer exists, one can still find traces of Guinefort’s veneration in Lyon’s folklore and oral traditions. Visitors curious about this peculiar piece of history can still explore the region, soaking up the rich history and cultural landscape that fostered the legend of a canine saint.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The papacy, inquisition and Saint Guinefort the Holy Greyhound” — University of Reading

WTF Fun Fact 13472 – Failed Atlanta Nail Salon Hold-up

A failed Atlanta nail salon hold-up in July 2023 had the Internet in stitches as they watched security footage of a man leaving empty-handed. Doesn’t this guy know you should never ask a woman to reach in her purse after she gets her nails done?!

In an event as peculiar as it sounds, an attempted robbery at a nail salon in Atlanta, Georgia, didn’t go as planned. The would-be robber was practically ignored by the customers and staff he intended to intimidate.

A Robbery Like No Other

The incident happened at the Nail First salon in Atlanta – and surveillance cameras caught it all. The footage revealed a bizarre chain of events that one might find more fitting for a sitcom than a real-life crime scene.

As the video shows, a man stormed into the salon yelling, “Everybody get down! Give me your money! Give me your money!” He held a bag in his hand, pointing it threateningly at the people inside, implying he was armed with a weapon.

However, in a twist of events, customers met his commands with an astounding level of indifference. Customers remained seated, barely looking up from their salon treatments. Some even continued with their conversations, seemingly unfazed by the apparent threat. It was as if an invisible barrier of apathy had been erected around the salon. It made the robber’s demands fall on deaf ears.

One woman, seemingly unsure of how to react, slowly stood up, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. As she walked out the door, the intruder snatched her phone. This, however, seemed to be the extent of his “success.”

His initial confidence waned as the bewildered robber found himself in a situation he likely hadn’t anticipated. No one was screaming, panicking, or handing over their belongings. It was a stark contrast to the dramatic scene he had likely imagined in his head.

Atlanta Nail Salon Apathy Wins

In the face of this unexpected and nonchalant response, customers left the would-be criminal with little choice but to give up. Dejected and empty-handed, he fled the scene, leaving behind a room full of unimpressed customers and an unforgettable surveillance tape.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Robbery Unit has since taken over the investigation. They have requested assistance from the public to identify the suspect. “Witnesses indicated the suspect entered the location wearing a blue hat, sunglasses, and blue jeans,” said Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. The suspect reportedly fled the scene in a silver-colored sedan.

Luckily, the intruder didn’t physically harm anyone during the incident. However the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such situations and how victims may respond. In this case, indifference, a seemingly passive response, was enough to dissuade the criminal from continuing his ill-intended act.

It’s a tale that salon owners and customers alike will tell at Nail First salon for years to come – if they even bother to remember it. It’s a tale of an attempted robbery that the group thwarted not by force but by an almost comedic display of apathy.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Robber attempts to hold up Atlanta nail salon, leaves after being ignored” — Fox News

WTF Fun Fact 13470 – An Underwater Concert

Would you attend an underwater concert off the Florida coast? It certainly sounds unique.

The Florida Keys hosts an annual Underwater Music Festival. Hundreds of divers and snorkelers dive into the ocean to listen to an underwater concert advocating for coral reef protection.

An Underwater Concert for Conservation

The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, primarily focuses on promoting eco-conscious diving. It takes place at Looe Key Reef, a region of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This is situated around 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary, established in 1990, spans a whopping 3,800 square miles (9,800 square kilometers). As a result, it protects the expansive barrier reef running parallel to the 125-mile-long (201-kilometer-long) island chain.

Participants of this unique festival are treated to a breathtaking view of Looe Key’s vibrant marine life and coral formations. They swim amongst the oceanic beauty, all while listening to an aquatic-themed playlist broadcasted under the sea. A local radio station pipes the music underwater through waterproof speakers suspended beneath boats stationed above the reef.

Playlist of the Deep

The festival’s curated playlist is a collection of carefully selected water-themed songs. During the concert, classics such as the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins,” and the theme from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” echo through the water. These tunes punctuate the silence of the sea, interspersed with informative diver awareness messages. The goal is to provide a fun and engaging way to educate attendees on the steps they can take to minimize environmental impacts on the world’s coral reefs.

The ocean becomes a stage where costumed “mermaids” and other characters add visual flair to the concert. The resulting spectacle combines education with entertainment, set against the unique backdrop of the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

Local radio station 104.1 FM and the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce organize the four-hour musical extravaganza. So, it’s clear their commitment to conservation and creativity is the driving force behind this immersive, educational, and eco-friendly event.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Underwater music show in the Florida Keys promotes awareness of coral reef protection” — Associated Press

WTF Fun Fact 13469 – Giant Stuffed Rabbit in Italy

Yearning to travel and eager to visit a giant stuffed rabbit in Italy? Probably not, but it is worth knowing about.

In Piedmont, a region tucked away in the Italian countryside, this attraction might leave you speechless.

Meet Pinky, the Giant Stuffed Rabbit in Italy

Nestled on the Colletto Fava hill near Artesina in the Piedmont region, Pinky is not your usual sight. As you trek up the hillside, a Pepto pink greets you from the green landscape. The source? A colossal, 200-foot-long stuffed rabbit.

Pinky, officially named “Hase,” is the quirky brainchild of an artist collective named Gelitin hailing from Vienna. In 2005, the artists conceived the idea of bringing an unusual slice of joy to hikers traversing the picturesque Piedmont countryside. The result was this enormous pink rabbit. No one asked for it, but it certainly lends a little something extra to summiting the hill.

According to Gelitin’s website, the rabbit is both a representation of love and joy and a “decaying corpse.”

Pinky’s Unforgettable Presence

The magnanimity of Pinky, or Hase, is truly overwhelming. Rumor had it that Pinky was visible from space due to its sheer size, a testament to its unexpected grandeur. While personal spacecraft might not be available to us for verification, Google Maps provides a bird’s-eye view of the hillside, with Pinky clearly visible.

However, time hasn’t been kind to Pinky. The structure, now slowly decaying, is expected to last only until the mid-2020s, according to Gelitin’s prediction. It’s

Visiting Pinky

Despite Pinky’s deteriorating state, the strange fascination the giant rabbit offers hasn’t waned. The rabbit continues to be a popular feature on Instagram, with numerous visitors sharing snapshots of their unexpected encounter.

If you’re intrigued and wish to visit Pinky, the town of Artesina is approximately two hours by car from Turin and Genoa in Italy, or Nice in France. A combination of buses and trains can also get you there, but it might take significantly longer. However, considering Pinky’s state of decay, you might be just as well-advised to enjoy its spectacle via Google Earth.

You can even picnic on or near the bunny and slide down its legs. As long as you don’t mind being extra stinky when you get back downhill.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “This Gargantuan Stuffed Bunny Looms Over Piedmont, Italy” — Trip Savvy

WTF Fun Fact 13468 – The Streisand Effect

The term “Streisand Effect” may sound like it’s tied to some groundbreaking scientific discovery, but it’s actually named after the famous American singer and actress, Barbra Streisand. The term was coined in 2005 and refers to an unexpected and counter-intuitive social phenomenon where efforts to suppress or censor information backfire, leading to the unintended consequence of the information being widely publicized and shared even more than before.

2. The Origin Story

The Streisand Effect was named after an incident involving Barbra Streisand in 2003. A photographer named Kenneth Adelman had taken aerial shots of the California coastline for the California Coastal Records Project. He intended to document coastal erosion. One of these photographs included Streisand’s Malibu home. Despite the image being among 12,000 others and not specifically identifying her home, Streisand sued Adelman and the associated website for $50 million. She asserted that the photo violated her privacy rights.

However, Streisand’s efforts to maintain her privacy unintentionally drew more attention to the photograph. Prior to the lawsuit, the picture had only been downloaded from Adelman’s website six times; two of those downloads were by Streisand’s lawyers. After the lawsuit became public, the photograph gained widespread attention, receiving over 420,000 views in the following month.

3. Examples of The Streisand Effect in Action

Since the original incident, the Streisand Effect has occurred multiple times, especially in the digital age where information spreads quickly.

In 2008, a blog post detailing weaknesses in the Church of Scientology’s operations resulted in a takedown notice from the Church. Instead of disappearing, the information proliferated across other sites, leading to more awareness and criticism of the Church.

In 2009, the UK law firm Carter-Ruck tried to suppress a report about its client Trafigura, a commodity trading company involved in a toxic waste scandal. A gag order initially prevented The Guardian from reporting on the issue. A judge lifted the order after intense public outcry and online sharing of the information.

The Power of the Streisand Effect

The Streisand Effect highlights the immense power of the internet and social media in the spread of information. It also illustrates the backlash that can result from attempts to suppress it. The digital age has shifted control over information from those with traditional power (like celebrities, corporations, governments) to the broader public.

This phenomenon raises important considerations for public figures, companies, and institutions in how they handle potentially damaging information. Attempting to suppress such information can often make matters worse. It can even cause more harm to a reputation than ignoring it or addressed it openly.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How Barbra Streisand Inspired the ‘Streisand Effect'” — Mental Floss

WTF Fun Fact 13467 – The Baghdad Battery

When we think about the birth of electricity, names like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Nikola Tesla might come to mind. But if we venture even further back in time, we stumble upon a curious artifact known as the Baghdad Battery.

This ancient piece, found in the vicinity of modern-day Iraq and believed to date back to the Parthian or Sassanid era (between 225 BC and AD 650), challenges our understanding of technological development. It’s a story that connects the ancient world with our modern one in a fascinating tale of science and history.

Discovery of the Baghdad Battery

The story of the Baghdad Battery begins in 1936. German archaeologist Wilhelm König discovered a set of 12 peculiar artifacts in the basement of the National Museum of Iraq. The artifacts, assumed to be about 2,000 years old, consisted of terracotta pots with a copper cylinder and a single iron rod inside.

Each “battery” was about 14 cm high, with a one-inch-wide mouth. The copper cylinder, carefully soldered with a 60-40 lead-tin alloy, encapsulated the iron rod. Evidence of an acidic residue such as vinegar or wine in some of the pots led König to propose that these were ancient electric cells.

The theory suggests that when the jars were filled with an electrolytic solution (like vinegar or lemon juice), they produced a potential difference between the copper and the iron — about 1.1 volts. This setup is remarkably similar to a basic school experiment to create a simple voltaic cell.

The primary controversy lies in the purpose of these devices. Some researchers propose that these ancient cells powered electroplating objects with gold. Others suggest a more spiritual role, possibly linked to pain relief. The sensation of a mild electric shock could have been interpreted as a divine intervention or magical experience.

Debates and Controversies

The theory of the Baghdad Battery as a tool for electroplating or electrotherapy is not without its critics. Skeptics argue that there’s no recorded evidence that ancient people had knowledge of electricity. Furthermore, there is no evidence of wires, conductors, or additional devices that could demonstrate a practical application for this alleged ancient technology.

Another point of contention lies in the design. If the intent was to generate an electric current, the iron rod would have quickly corroded due to the acidic solution. However, some of the recovered artifacts still have uncorroded iron rods, suggesting they might never have been used as proposed.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Was the Baghdad Battery really a battery?” — BBC Science Focus