history facts

WTF Fun Fact 13753 – Mayans Used Chocolate as Currency

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The Mayans had an intriguing and unique use for chocolate. They didn’t just drink it; they used it as money. Yes, you read that right—chocolate was currency. The Maya civilization, which thrived in Mesoamerica, innovatively integrated chocolate into their economy. Let’s dive into how this delicious system worked.

Chocolate in the Mayan Economy

The Mayans were among the first to cultivate cacao trees. They valued cacao beans highly. These beans were not just food; they were wealth. Cacao beans became a standardized form of currency. People used them to buy goods and pay for services. Archaeological evidence shows that Mayans traded cacao beans for items like food, clothes, and tools.

Imagine going to the market and buying groceries with chocolate beans. This was everyday life for the Mayans. The beans were lightweight, portable, and valuable. This made them an ideal currency for trade and commerce.

The Value of Cacao Beans to the Mayans

Cacao beans had a set value. A single bean could buy a tamale, a small meal. Ten beans could get you a rabbit. The Mayans even paid taxes with cacao beans. This system worked because cacao trees thrived in the region. The beans were always in supply but still valuable enough to function as money.

Not everyone had access to cacao trees, though. This made cacao beans even more precious. The beans became a symbol of wealth and power. Elite Mayans often consumed chocolate drinks as a luxury. This further elevated the status of cacao beans in their society.

The Cultural Significance of Chocolate

Chocolate had deep cultural significance for the Mayans. They believed cacao had divine properties. Mayan mythology stated that cacao was a gift from the gods. Consuming it was a spiritual act. Chocolate drinks were part of religious rituals and ceremonies. Priests and nobles drank it during sacred events.

This cultural importance added another layer to cacao’s value. It wasn’t just a commodity; it was sacred. The spiritual aspect of cacao enhanced its worth as currency. People revered it not just for its taste but for its connection to the divine.

How Cacao Beans Became Money

The transition from food to currency was practical. The beans were small, durable, and easy to count. They didn’t spoil quickly, making them reliable for long-term storage. The Mayans stored cacao beans in large quantities, ensuring they had a stable currency.

Markets and trade centers used cacao beans as the standard for transactions. This consistency helped the economy run smoothly. It wasn’t just local trade; cacao beans facilitated regional commerce too. The beans crossed borders, making them a widespread form of money.

The End of Cacao Currency

The use of cacao as currency faded with the arrival of the Spanish. The Spanish conquest disrupted Mayan society and economy. They introduced new forms of currency, such as coins and paper money. However, cacao beans remained valuable for a while. The Spanish even adopted chocolate drinks from the Mayans, spreading its popularity in Europe.

The decline of cacao currency marked the end of an era. Yet, the legacy of chocolate lives on. Today, we enjoy chocolate in various forms. Few people know its rich history as money. The Mayans’ innovative use of cacao beans showcases their ingenuity and cultural depth.

The Legacy of the Mayans & Chocolate

Cacao remains a significant crop in regions once inhabited by the Mayans. Modern-day countries like Mexico and Guatemala continue to grow cacao. The cultural and economic impact of cacao endures. Farmers today still value the beans, though for different reasons.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Maya civilization used chocolate as money” — Science

WTF Fun Fact 13748 – The Klondike Big Inch Land Co.

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Have you heard of the Klondike Big Inch Land Co.? It all goes back to oats and land deeds, naturally.

This story starts with a promotional stunt by Quaker Oats in the 1950s that turned into an unexpected collector’s item, worth more today than anyone could have guessed back when “Challenge of the Yukon” echoed in the living rooms across America.

Quaker Oats’ Land Rush Stunt

Back in 1954, in a promotional stunt tied to the radio show “Challenge of the Yukon,” Quaker Oats purchased 19.11 acres of land in the Yukon Territory, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush region. They cleverly subdivided this acreage into 21 million tiny, one-square-inch plots. Each plot was represented by an official-looking deed. These were created by the Klondike Big Inch Land Co., a company Quaker Oats had established for this purpose.

These miniature deeds were placed inside boxes of Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice. The campaign was an instant hit. It captured the imaginations of Americans who were thrilled at the notion of owning a piece of the fabled Klondike. Some fans, myself included, collected hundreds of these deeds, aiming to amass a larger piece of the plot.

The Deeds of the Klondike Big Inch Land Co.

The deeds themselves were works of art: elegant green curlicues bordering cream-colored certificates. Each had a stamp with a unique certificate number and an official-looking red seal. An orange map detailed the location of each plot, adding a touch of authenticity and adventure. They promised ownership in a far-off land, albeit only a square inch.

However, the reality was less grand. Quaker Oats never intended these deeds to be legal titles to real estate. They didn’t include mineral rights, and the company didn’t register them. That would have been a logistical nightmare because of the number of deeds issued. Essentially, these deeds were novelties, albeit highly detailed ones.

Despite their questionable legal value, these deeds have become valuable collectibles. Pristine deeds can fetch between $25 and $45 each. This makes the stash of 72 deeds found by a reader potentially worth over $1,800. They represent a unique piece of promotional history, tying back to a time when radio shows were king, and cereal boxes could contain treasures.

The promotion ended, and in 1965, Quaker Oats dissolved the Klondike Big Inch Land Co. The land reverted back to Canada. PepsiCo absorbed Quaker Oats itself in PepsiCo in 2001, but the legend of the Klondike Big Inch lives on among collectors and enthusiasts.

Lessons from a Klondike Big Inch

This episode serves as a fascinating case study in marketing, novelty, and the human penchant for collecting. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding what one truly owns. For those holding these deeds, they own a piece of history, if not a piece of the land.

As a footnote, if you find yourself in possession of such curiosities, consider their historical and collectible value before dismissing them as mere novelties.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Taking Stock: Decades-old deed to one square inch of Canada’s Yukon Territory has some value” — The Oklahoman

WTF Fun Fact 13726 – The Word Scientist

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The word “scientist” originated in the 19th century when William Whewell, a Cambridge historian and philosopher, sought to create a unifying term for those engaged in the sciences. Before this, various terms like “natural philosopher” and “savant” were used.

Whewell considered several options before settling on “scientist,” inspired by the word “artist.” This designation emphasized the interconnectedness of different scientific disciplines and reflected the artistry involved in scientific discovery.

In a short time, “scientist” became widely accepted and shaped how we perceive scientific professions today.

The Birth of a New Term

Before “scientist,” the field of science didn’t have a unified term to describe its practitioners. Individuals like Isaac Newton or Charles Darwin were referred to as “natural philosophers,” which suggested their work was rooted in philosophy rather than practical science. Other terms like “savant” and the German “naturforscher” were floated but never gained traction.

William Whewell’s Contribution

William Whewell, known for his contributions to multiple disciplines, sought to encapsulate the essence of scientific exploration. His work on “The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences” paved the way for standardizing scientific methods and terminology. The idea was to encapsulate scientific disciplines into one collective term that reflected the exploratory nature of science.

Whewell suggested “scientist” to refer to those who engage in scientific inquiry, much like “artist” describes those involved in artistic pursuits. Initially, he was concerned that the term sounded too close to “economist” or “atheist,” both having negative connotations in that era. However, he decided to adopt it, and the term quickly caught on, symbolizing a new identity for those exploring various scientific disciplines.

The Legacy of the Word Scientist

The term “scientist” has since gained universal acceptance and shaped how the world perceives individuals in this field. It emphasizes the unity among diverse scientific disciplines and acknowledges the creativity and ingenuity in scientific research.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How The Word ‘Scientist’ Came To Be” — NPR

WTF Fun Fact 13713 – Maya Angelou: From Streetcar Driver to Literary Icon

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Maya Angelou, celebrated poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, once held a job as a streetcar conductor in San Francisco.

Angelou’s stint as a streetcar driver is not just a footnote in her storied career but a testament to her determination and bravery in the face of societal norms.

Breaking Barriers in the 1940s

In the 1940s, Angelou moved with her mother to San Francisco. During World War II, the city, like many parts of the United States, experienced a labor shortage as men enlisted and left for the war. This gap in the workforce opened opportunities for women and minorities, albeit temporarily, in fields previously closed to them. Angelou, then a young African American woman, decided to capitalize on this shift.

Driven by a desire to challenge the status quo, Angelou set her sights on becoming a streetcar conductor. At the time, this was a job not traditionally held by women, let alone women of color. Her decision was met with resistance; she was initially rejected because of her race and gender.

However, Angelou did not relent. She returned to the streetcar office every day for two weeks, sitting patiently and waiting to be hired. Her persistence paid off, and she finally broke through the racial and gender barriers, becoming the first African American female streetcar conductor in San Francisco.

Maya Angelou as Symbol of Persistence

Maya Angelou’s job as a streetcar conductor was more than just a means to earn a living; it was a symbol of her persistence and a stepping stone in her journey as a civil rights advocate. Her experience on the streetcars exposed her to the realities of the working-class life and the social dynamics of race and gender, themes she would later explore in her writings.

Every day, she navigated the streets of San Francisco, interacting with passengers from all walks of life. This job required not only the physical ability to manage the large, cumbersome vehicle but also the mental and emotional resilience to deal with the public and the systemic prejudices of that era.

Lessons Learned and Paths Forged

The lessons Angelou learned during her time as a conductor fed into her broader views on equality and justice. She observed human behavior intimately—both the kindness and the cruelty. These experiences enriched her understanding of people, informing her poetry and prose with empathy and a deep, resonant humanity.

After her tenure on the streetcars, Angelou continued to break barriers in every field she entered. She danced professionally, acted on stage and screen, wrote and recited poetry, and actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement. Her myriad experiences, including her time as a streetcar conductor, helped shape her into the influential figure she became.

Maya Angelou: A Legacy of Inspiration

Maya Angelou’s stint as a streetcar driver is a compelling story of overcoming adversity and breaking through societal limitations. Her persistence in securing the position demonstrates her refusal to accept societal norms that dictated what she could or could not do because of her race and gender.

This early job may seem like a small victory, but for Angelou, it was a profound one. It showcased her tenacity and her unwillingness to be sidelined in a society that often looked down on her. Her success in this role paved the way for her future achievements and left a lasting impact on everyone who challenges the status quo.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Maya Angelou fibbed about her age to become a San Francisco streetcar conductor” — SFGate

WTF Fun Fact 13712 – The Great Male Reunuciation

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The Great Male Renunciation marked a pivotal shift in men’s fashion. It occurred at the end of the 18th century. Men abandoned flamboyant and elaborate attire for sober, tailored suits, reflecting broader societal transformations.

From Extravagance to Sobriety

Before the renunciation, European aristocracy embraced lavish clothing. Bright colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate designs were the norms. This extravagance signified wealth, power, and status. However, the end of the 1700s brought a dramatic change. Men started adopting more reserved and practical clothing. Dark suits, simple shirts, and trousers became the standard. This marked a departure from the ornate styles that dominated men’s fashion.

Influences Behind the Great Male Renunciation

Several factors influenced this fashion revolution. The Enlightenment played a crucial role. It promoted ideals of equality, simplicity, and rationality. These ideals made the excessive aristocratic dress seem outdated. Additionally, the French Revolution further discouraged displays of wealth. It made flamboyant dressing a political risk.

The rise of the middle class also contributed. As the middle class grew, they favored practicality and modesty in dress, reflecting their work ethic and values.

Impact on Society and Fashion

The Great Male Renunciation had lasting effects on society and fashion. It leveled the playing field in dress, making men’s clothing less indicative of social status. This shift also laid the groundwork for the modern suit. The suit became the universal symbol of masculinity and professionalism. It showed that a man’s worth lay in his character and achievements, not in his appearance.

Legacy of the Great Male Renunciation

Today, the Great Male Renunciation still influences men’s fashion. The suit remains a staple in men’s wardrobes. It symbolizes respectability, seriousness, and a nod to tradition.

However, recent trends show a move towards more casual and expressive styles in menswear. Despite this, the legacy of the renunciation persists. It reminds us that fashion is not just about aesthetics. It reflects cultural, political, and social currents.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A Men’s Wear Revolution” — The New York Times

WTF Fun Fact 13707 – The Biro

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Why do some people call ballpoint pens a biro?

The ballpoint pen was introduced in 1945, by a man named László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist. In 1945, his simple yet revolutionary writing instrument was introduced to the world.

This innovation dramatically transformed the act of writing, making it more accessible and practical than ever before.

Rise of the biro

Biró found fountain pens impractical, so he sought an alternative. His quest was also inspired by the quick-drying ink used in newspapers.

Partnering with his brother György, Bíró embarked on refining the ballpoint pen to use a paste-like ink that didn’t evaporate, mitigating the common frustrations associated with fountain pens. Bíró created a pen that revolutionized writing by introducing a rolling ball mechanism that evenly distributed ink as it moved across the paper.

Despite its initial luxury status, the pen’s practicality soon became undeniable. Its ability to write on various surfaces without leaking or smudging was a significant advancement over traditional ink and quill or fountain pens.

Global adoption

The Biro’s journey was not without its challenges. Navigating through financial difficulties, patent disputes, and wartime turmoil, Bíró’s invention found a lifeline in Argentina. Later, the British Ministries of Supply and Aircraft Production recognized the Biro’s utility for RAF pilots, propelling it into mass production. The post-war period saw further innovations, with entrepreneurs like Marcel Bich refining the design to manufacture the Bic Cristal, an affordable and ubiquitous model that cemented the ballpoint pen’s place in society.

Despite initial challenges, including fleeing war-torn Europe for Argentina, Bíró’s invention gained recognition for its practicality. The British Royal Air Force saw the pen’s potential. They ordered thousands for their pilots, who needed reliable writing instruments at high altitudes. This marked the beginning of the Biro pen’s global journey.

That’s why the name “Biro” is more than just a brand; it’s an homage to the inventor himself. In many parts of the world, the term “Biro” is synonymous with “ballpoint pen.” This is a testament to László Bíró’s lasting impact. The pen’s name varies globally, reflecting its widespread adoption and the universal need it addressed. In English-speaking countries, particularly the UK, the pen is often called a “Biro” in recognition of its creator’s ingenuity.

Transforming Writing Practices

The Biro’s simplicity belies the complexity of its impact. This shift facilitated a more dynamic and accessible form of communication, democratizing writing across different strata of society.

The story of Biro’s influence on writing practices invites us to appreciate the seemingly mundane objects that harbor rich histories.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Biro, the invention that changed the writing game” — New Atlas

WTF Fun Fact 13694 – History of the Chainsaw

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The history of the chainsaw, a tool linked with forestry and tree felling, has its roots in surgical practice. Specifically, it aided in childbirth.

Medical Origins of the Chainsaw

The initial conception of the chainsaw was far removed from the lumber yards. Invented by Scottish doctors John Aitken and James Jeffray, it was designed to address a specific challenge in childbirth. According to the 1785 edition of “Principles Of Midwifery, Or Puerperal Medicine,” this crude yet innovative device was intended for use in symphysiotomy procedures. They widen the pubic cartilage and remove obstructive bone. The goal is to facilitate the delivery process when the baby becomes stuck in the birth canal.

This “flexible saw,” as it was described, allowed for the precise cutting away of flesh, cartilage, and bone. Despite its gruesome application, the invention was a medical breakthrough. It also offered a new solution to a life-threatening dilemma faced by mothers and babies.

The Chainsaw Through History

The chainsaw’s medical use continued into the 19th century, with the development of the osteotome by German physician Bernhard Heine in 1830. This device, further refined the concept of the chainsaw for surgical purposes. “The Lancet London” described it as comprising two plates that contained a toothed wheel operated by a handle to cut through bone and tissue.

However, the narrative of the chainsaw took a significant turn at the start of the 20th century, moving beyond the confines of the operating room to the great outdoors.

Birth of the Modern Chainsaw

The transformation of the chainsaw into a tool for woodcutting began earnestly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Patents filed in 1883 for the Chain Sawing Machine and in 1906 for the Endless Chain Saw laid the groundwork for its application in producing wooden boards and felling giant redwoods. By 1918, Canadian James Shand patented the first portable chainsaw. This marked a new era for the chainsaw’s use in forestry.

Andreas Stihl subsequently developed and patented the electric chainsaw in 1926. Then came the gas-powered model in 1929. This made the tool more accessible and efficient for logging activities. These early models were large and required two men to operate. They set the stage for post-World War II advancements that made chainsaws lighter and more user-friendly, allowing single-person operation.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Why were chainsaws invented?” — BBC Science Focus

WTF Fun Fact 13665 – US Time Zones

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In the early days of American history, the concept of time was not as unified as it is today. With over a hundred separate time zones, the United States’ approach to timekeeping was a complex and often confusing system. This fascinating period in the nation’s history reveals much about the evolution of time standardization and its impact on society and commerce.

The Era of Numerous Time Zones

Before the adoption of standardized time zones, the United States operated on a surprisingly intricate system of over 144 separate time zones. Each city or town was free to determine its own local time, usually based on the position of the sun. This meant that when it was noon in one town, it could be 12:15 in a neighboring city just a few miles away.

This system was manageable when communities were isolated, but as the country expanded and the railway system connected distant cities, the multitude of local times became problematic. Train schedules were particularly affected, as rail companies struggled to create timetables that made sense across various local times.

The Push for Standardization of Time Zones

The turning point came with the advent of the railroad industry. The need for standardized time became evident as train travel made the flaws of multiple local times apparent. Railroads operated on their own time systems, creating a confusing and sometimes dangerous situation for travelers and operators alike.

The solution emerged in the form of four main time zones proposed by the railroad companies. On November 18, 1883, known as “The Day of Two Noons,” railroads across the country synchronized their clocks to these new standard time zones. This was not an official law but rather a practice adopted by the railroads and the communities they served.

Government Intervention and the Standard Time Act

It wasn’t until March 19, 1918, that the United States government officially adopted the standard time zone system with the Standard Time Act. This act also established daylight saving time, a contentious and ongoing debate to this day. The act was a response to the confusion and inefficiency of having multiple time standards and was also influenced by the needs of World War I.

The transition was not immediate or smooth. People were accustomed to their local times and resisted change. However, over time, the benefits of a standardized system became clear, especially for scheduling trains, conducting business, and broadcasting.

The Impact of Standardization

The move to a standardized time system revolutionized many aspects of American life. It facilitated better communication and coordination across the country, essential for a growing nation. Economic activities, especially those related to transportation and communication, became more efficient and reliable.

Moreover, the concept of time zones influenced the world. Today, time zones are an integral part of global coordination, affecting everything from international flights to the stock market.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Snoozers Are, In Fact, Losers” — The New Yorker

WTF Fun Fact 13632 – The Yellow Pages are Yellow

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The iconic Yellow Pages, a staple in homes and businesses for decades, owes its existence to a happy accident. In the late 19th century, when phone directories were a novel concept, these business listings were simply a part of the regular phone book printed on standard white paper.

However, a paper shortage at a  Cheyenne, Wyoming-based printer led to an improvisational moment that would mark the beginning of a global phenomenon.

The Birth of an Icon

During a routine printing run, the publisher ran out of white paper. In a bid to continue production without delay, the printer resorted to using yellow paper as an alternative. This unexpected choice not only solved the immediate problem but also led to an unforeseen advantage.

The Yellow Pages stood out distinctly from the rest of the phone book, making it easier for users to flip directly to the business listings.

The Rise of the Yellow Pages

The yellow hue offered more than just visual differentiation. Users found that the softer, warmer yellow was easier on the eyes compared to the starkness of white pages. This enhanced readability significantly improved the user experience, encouraging more frequent use of the business listings.

The immediate popularity was not lost on the publishers. Recognizing the potential, they quickly branded this section of the phone book as the “Yellow Pages.” This branding was a stroke of marketing genius. It not only gave them an identity separate from the white pages of personal listings but also made it a household name.

The success of the Yellow Pages quickly caught on, and publishers around the world adopted the yellow hue for their business directories. The distinct color became synonymous with business listings. The brand grew to represent reliability and comprehensiveness, turning into the go-to source for finding businesses and services.

The Yellow Pages Today

With the advent of the internet and digital technology, the Yellow Pages faced a significant shift. The bulky physical directories began to seem outdated in the face of online search engines and digital directories. However, the brand adapted, transitioning its vast database of business listings to online platforms. This digital transformation allowed them to maintain relevance in the modern age.

Despite the decline in the usage of physical directories, the legacy endures. The term “Yellow Pages” is still used colloquially to refer to business directories, even in the digital realm. The brand’s transition to online platforms ensures that it continues to serve its fundamental purpose – connecting consumers with businesses.

A Testament to Adaptability

The story of the Yellow Pages is a testament to adaptability and the power of branding. What began as a makeshift solution to a paper shortage evolved into a globally recognized brand, one that has skillfully navigated the challenges of a digital world. It stands as a reminder that sometimes, the most enduring innovations come from unexpected places and circumstances.

It may no longer be the physical directory that once graced every household, but its spirit lives on in the digital directories we use today. Its journey from yellow paper to digital screens is a fascinating chronicle of innovation, branding, and adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of technology and business.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “What happened to the Yellow Pages?” — Growth Business