random fact

WTF Fun Fact 13468 – The Streisand Effect

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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

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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

WTF Fun Fact 13466 – Cologne That Smells Like WD40

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If you love the smell of a bustling workshop, you might appreciate a unique new cologne that smells like WD40 If so, this might be your dream come true. It’s called “Eau de Industrie.”

“Eau de Industrie” – The cologne that smells like WD40

The idea of a WD-40 scented cologne is nothing short of audacious, to say the least. However, it emerged from the creative minds at MSCHF, a company known for its innovative concepts. The team decided to push the envelope with a scent that recreates the distinct smell of this universal DIY staple.

As bizarre as it may sound, “Eau de Industrie” is a testament to the creativity of modern perfume makers. Creating a fragrance that successfully captures the essence of a substance known for its lubricating properties rather than its aromatic appeal is no small feat.

The creators of the cologne had to strike the perfect balance between replicating the recognizable scent of the spray and ensuring it was wearable. It’s a distinctively metallic, slightly smoky, and ultimately unmistakable aroma.

Would you wear it?

There’s a growing market for unconventional colognes and perfumes. Scent profiles now extend far beyond the traditional floral, musk, and citrus bases. Fragrances inspired by the smell of things like fresh rain, old books, or even a specific city are gaining popularity. WD-40 cologne is part of this wave, appealing to those with a penchant for the smell of a busy workshop.

Now, if you want to get your hands on “Eau de Industrie” you’re in for a challenge. The cologne immediately sold out on the company’s website. While it sold for $44, resellers have marked up the price significantly. Of course, you should never substitute the cologne with the real thing! Just keep your fingers crossed for a restock.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “MSCHF Releases “Smells Like WD-40″ Cologne” — Hypebeast

WTF Fun Fact 13465 – Hamburger University

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It’s harder to get into McDonald’s Hamburger University than some Ivy League schools.

That’s right, McDonald’s is in the business of education. Hamburger University, or HU as it’s commonly referred to, was founded in 1961 by Fred Turner, McDonald’s former senior chairman and one of Ray Kroc’s earliest employees. He recognized that the success of the rapidly expanding McDonald’s franchise was dependent on consistent quality and service. So, Turner decided to open a training center. The goal? To educate franchisees on the methods of running a successful and efficient McDonald’s restaurant.

The first campus was situated in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. With only a handful of students, the inaugural class might have been small, but the idea was grand. Today, Hamburger University boasts seven campus locations worldwide, including Tokyo, London, and Shanghai.

What You Learn at Hamburger University

When it comes to the curriculum, HU is not, contrary to what you might think, a place to perfect the art of burger flipping. Instead, the University provides a comprehensive leadership development program. The classes taught at HU are rigorous and cover restaurant fundamentals, business growth strategies, leadership skills, and management systems.

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Hamburgerology degree, a whimsical yet fitting title that encapsulates the unique education provided at the university.

The Global Influence of Hamburger University

The global reach and impact of Hamburger University are noteworthy. In China, for example, getting into Hamburger University is a highly competitive feat, with an acceptance rate even lower than Harvard’s. The demand for HU in China reflects the country’s fast-growing fast-food market and the value placed on the managerial training provided by McDonald’s.

The influence of HU extends beyond McDonald’s restaurants. Many HU graduates have used their skills to start their businesses or move into senior roles in other industries.

Investing in People

The story of HU highlights McDonald’s understanding that its most significant investment is its people. The institution represents the company’s commitment to providing career advancement opportunities for its employees. It’s also dedicated to ensuring uniform standards of quality and service in McDonald’s outlets worldwide.

By investing in employee development, McDonald’s improves its operations and contributes to the broader community by providing valuable business skills.

So, whether you’re munching on a Quarter Pounder in the heart of New York or enjoying a Filet-O-Fish in a bustling Tokyo outlet, remember: the efficient service and consistent taste are likely to have been honed at McDonald’s very own higher education institution, the Hamburger University.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Lessons from McDonald’s Hamburger University: Training For Retention” — LA Eats

WTF Fun Fact 13464 – Stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs

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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 13462 – Air Dropped Wolves

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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

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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

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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

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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