random fact

WTF Fun Fact 13433 – The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

If you crave a journey into the depths of the Earth to experience nature’s wonder, head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in Colombia. This marvel lies 200 meters (over 600 feet) underground in a former salt mine. And it’s an awe-inspiring symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance.

Visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Picture this – you descend into the belly of the Earth. You’re greeted by a long, shadowy tunnel, illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lighting. Now, you’ve reached the start of the “Via Crucis”, the Stations of the Cross. Each one represented through imposing sculptures carved directly from the salt. These artworks in themselves offer a mesmerizing spectacle, adding gravitas to the sacred pilgrimage through the mine.

As you journey deeper, you’re led to an expansive cavern. Here, the salt rocks yield to the Cathedral’s majestic centerpiece – a massive cross stretching up toward the ceiling. This 16-meter-tall monolith of salt illuminated from behind. It casts a mystical aura, offering an awe-inspiring sight that leaves visitors marveling at the artistry and devotion it represents.

An active place of worship

The Cathedral is not just a sight to behold, but also a beacon of local culture. In fact, the salt mine has supported the people of Zipaquirá for centuries, its economic significance evolving into spiritual importance with the construction of the cathedral. Today, it continues to be a vibrant place of worship where faith resonates in every salt-strewn corner.

Further adding to its uniqueness, the Cathedral’s acoustics have also been leveraged for musical performances, its echoes amplifying the harmonious notes and making the music a truly immersive experience. Here, the hymns aren’t just heard but felt, resonating with the spirit of the cathedral.

Despite its spiritual significance, the Cathedral also caters to secular tourists. A light show illuminates the cathedral, and a guided tour offers insights into its geological and architectural aspects, emphasizing its universal appeal. It’s a journey of discovery, an exploration of human ingenuity in harnessing nature, and a celebration of the enduring power of faith.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Colombia’s Salt Cathedral Is A Marvel Of Architecture And A Popular House Of Worship” — NPR

WTF Fun Fact 13432 – Poland’s Top Tourist Attraction

A funny feline from Poland named Gacek has been causing a buzz online. He’s earned fame and become Poland’s top tourist attraction thanks to Google Maps.

This remarkable kitty, through its wanderings, has inadvertently become an international sensation. A case of an everyday cat finding a global platform. Gacek’s story combines charm, curiosity, and the surprising role of technology in our daily lives.

Why is Poland’s top tourist attraction a random cat?

Gacek’s journey to online stardom started when his owners fitted him with a GPS collar. To their surprise, the cat was far more adventurous than they had imagined. Gacek explored Szczecin, the city where he lives, covering an impressive range of urban territory.

They eventually overlaid the GPS data they collected from Gacek’s collar onto Google Maps. The resulting visual representation of his adventures was shared online, quickly capturing the attention of internet users across the globe. Gacek’s meanderings through the city, as shown on the map, paint an intriguing picture of a day in the life of an adventurous feline.

Gacek’s story fascinated and amused social media users worldwide. His explorations have sparked conversations about the role of technology in uncovering these hidden aspects of our world.

He’s also providing a great way to take a walking tour of the city!

Tour the city through the eyes of a cat

This digital snapshot of Gacek’s escapades quickly became a hit online. The map of his travels is now an unlikely tourist guide to Szczecin.

Thes “Gacek tours” let people explore famous cat’s routes and favorite haunts. And of course people are hoping to catch a glimpse of the adventurous feline. Cafes and shops along Gacek’s routes have seen a boost in business, thanks to the increased footfall from cat-loving tourists.

The phenomenon of Gacek has also highlighted the practical benefits of GPS tracking for pets, underlining its potential for ensuring the safety of our four-legged companions in an urban setting. While Gacek’s adventures have brought joy to many, they also emphasize the role of such technology in caring for our pets.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “This Polish city’s top tourist attraction? A stray cat.” — Washington Post

WTF Fun Fact 13431 – Ford’s Self-Repossessing Truck

In a move that could revolutionize the automotive industry, Ford has patented a system enabling self-repossessing trucks. Through connectivity and automation, these vehicles could potentially drive themselves back to the dealer in the event of missed payments.

This idea of autonomous repossession is a powerful example of how technology is reshaping our world.

Self-repossessing trucks in the patent stage

The patent, as reported by The Verge, illustrates a system in which a vehicle can determine if it’s subject to repossession based on data received from a remote source. It’s not yet a reality.

However, in the future, a car could disable its own engine or even navigate itself back to the lender, provided it’s safe and legal to do so.

While this might sound dystopian to some, it’s essential to consider the problem this solution aims to address. Traditional repossession methods are far from perfect. They can lead to conflicts, damages, or, in some cases, even legal issues. Autonomous repossession could potentially eliminate these complications, making the process smoother for all parties involved.

But wait, there’s more!

But, Ford’s self-repossessing trucks patent doesn’t stop there. The documentation suggests that these vehicles could also potentially find and connect with a tow truck for assistance if self-driving to the dealer isn’t possible. The vehicle’s systems could even schedule a convenient pick-up time with the towing company, streamlining the entire process.

However, such a concept isn’t without its concerns. Critics argue that autonomous repossession could pose privacy risks. After all, the technology requires tracking and controlling vehicles remotely, raising questions about data security and personal privacy. Ford, along with all automakers pursuing such technologies, will need to address these concerns as development progresses.

Will it really work?

Furthermore, the actual implementation of this system in real-world conditions is another challenge. Various laws regulate vehicle repossession, which differ from state to state, and the legality of a self-repossessing car is still untested. Therefore, while the patent is granted, the road to seeing self-repossessing cars in action might be long and winding.

Ford’s self-repossessing car patent is a clear reflection of our changing times. It encapsulates both the remarkable potential of automation and connectivity, and the complex challenges that come along. It’s a compelling narrative of how technology continues to reimagine our world and how we must navigate the balance between innovation and privacy, efficiency and legality.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Ford’s self-repossessing car patent is a nightmare of the connected-car future” — The Verge

WTF Fun Fact 13430 – Japan’s Sauna Bus

Japan’s sauna bus (or saubus) is intriguing people around the world (and making more than a few wonder “why?!”)

Who wants to ride in a sauna bus?

A new cultural trend in Japan has emerged from the fusion of public transportation and traditional wellness practices. A retired public bus in Japan, creatively redesigned, now roams the streets as a fully functional, mobile sauna.

The old “sabus,” as it’s called, isn’t just a manifestation of Japanese ingenuity; it represents a revolution in urban relaxation.

A unique wellness journey

Designed by architecture firm Raumplan, this refurbished bus serves as a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and a celebration of the Japanese ritual of bathing. The exterior boasts the familiar green hue that once signaled the bus’s transportation role. The inside transports people into a realm of steamy warmth and tranquility.

The transformation from a public transportation vehicle to a wellness sanctuary is nothing short of mesmerizing. The bus seats have been replaced with a compact sauna, an anteroom, and an open deck.

The sauna, clad in aromatic Japanese hinoki cypress wood, can accommodate up to six people. Its large window offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, allowing bathers to enjoy scenic landscapes while they steam.

Venturing further inside, you find the anteroom. A relaxation space with wooden benches, this area is designed for post-sauna cool downs and socializing. Finally, the bus’s rear hosts an open deck, equipped with a shower for bathers to rinse off and freshen up.

Why a mobile sauna?

The creators envisioned the saubus as a way to connect communities and promote traditional Japanese wellness practices. By repurposing a public bus, they’re able to bring the sauna experience to various locations, from scenic lakeside spots to bustling city streets, making wellness accessible and enjoyable for all.

Beyond its functionality, the sauna bus serves as a symbol of sustainability and creative repurposing. It stands as proof that, with a bit of imagination, we can transform everyday objects into something extraordinary.

Through this project, Raumplan and its collaborators have redefined what a bus and a sauna can be, creating a new experience that is quintessentially Japanese yet universally appealing. The sauna bus isn’t just a place to relax and unwind; it’s a communal space that brings people together wherever it goes.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “INTRODUCING THE ‘SABUS’ MOBILE SAUNA” — designboom

WTF Fun Fact 13429 – Crown Shyness in Trees

Have you ever seen a tree get nervous? Certainly not, but crown shyness in trees is about to give you a whole new perspective.

Imagine wandering through a dense forest, the quiet whispers of leaves your only company. You gaze upward, finding yourself under a vast, living canopy. Now, observe the leaves’ formation. Notice how each leaf reaches out for its share of sunlight, yet mysteriously avoids overlapping with its neighbor. This intriguing behavior is known as crown shyness.

Crown shyness is a botanical phenomenon where trees of the same species (and sometimes, different species) avoid touching one another. The resulting gaps in the canopy form a stark, jigsaw-like pattern against the sky—a natural artwork of lines and spaces, fascinating and beautiful.

What causes crowd shyness in trees?

The exact cause of crown shyness remains a subject of debate among scientists. Some theories propose that it’s a mechanism to prevent the spread of harmful insects or diseases. Others suggest it’s due to the trees’ sensitivity to physical contact. When branches collide due to wind, they could sustain damage, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘branch abrasion.’ Over time, the trees might “learn” to avoid contact, hence the “shyness.”

But whatever the cause, the consequences of crown shyness on forest ecosystems are tangible. The patterns it creates reduce competition for sunlight, enabling all trees to flourish. Moreover, the resulting gaps in the canopy permit more rainfall to reach the forest floor, benefitting the undergrowth.

Even though we attribute the term “shyness” to this phenomenon, the reality is anything but timid. It’s a fierce competition for survival and a demonstration of cooperative living in the wild. It’s a reminder that trees, though stationary and silent, engage in complex interactions with each other.

The more we know the less we understand

By observing and understanding these unique patterns, we gain insights into the interconnectedness of nature. We comprehend how trees, despite being rooted to the spot, communicate and interact with their environment in ways beyond our understanding.

In our fast-paced world, a moment spent contemplating the “shyness” of the trees can instill a deeper respect for the complexity and subtlety of nature. As we walk under the forest’s green canopy, we’re participating in a delicate dance that’s been choreographed over millennia. A dance where each participant knows their place and respects the other, a dance of survival, adaptation, and above all, cooperation.

So, the next time you wander into a forest, look up. Witness the marvel of crown shyness. You’re not merely observing a scientific phenomenon; you’re peering into an intricate world that continues to inspire, educate, and mesmerize us.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Some trees may ‘social distance’ to avoid disease” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13428 – Montana Principal Horses Around

A Montana principal got an equine surprise thanks to a loophole in the law that some students decided to exploit as a senior prank. It involved a group of horses and a solemn duty to make sure they got fed.

Pranking the Montana principal with horses

What makes this story heartwarming is the unique blend of mischief and reverence for their rural roots. The graduating class of Conrad High School decided to give a nod to their cowboy culture. They swapped out the traditional senior prank with something far more creative – and far less destructive.

This merry band of seniors decided that the best way to celebrate impending graduation was by saddling up their horses. Then they took the 4 mile journey to class.

Twelve seniors at Conrad High School took advantage of what they believe is an old law. It mandates that if kids ride their horses to school, the principal has to care for them. The law remains unconfirmed, but the principal played along anyway.

“Montana has an old law saying if a student rides their horse to school, the school principal has to feed and tend to the horse throughout the day,” the school district said. “It looks like Mr. DeBruycker has his work cut out for him today,” noted the Charlotte Observer.

Just horsing around

The school’s principal, Raymond DeBruycker, was surprised by the unusual sight when he arrived to find these seniors had decided to carry wander in like cowboys. Far from being irritated, DeBruycker took the horseplay in stride.

Rather than meting out punishment, DeBruycker saw the humor and chose to honor the spirit of camaraderie and tradition. Clearly, he know it wasn’t causing any harm. In fact, it was connecting students to a facet of Montana’s cowboy culture in a fun and memorable way.

Even in the face of this unconventional situation, DeBruycker’s response was a testament to the tight-knit community at Conrad High School. It was clear that everyone wanted to honor the historical customs.

Whether or not there is a bona fide law permitting students to ride horses to school, one thing is certain. This tradition is becoming an endearing prank at a few different Montana schools.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Students ride horses to school, and Montana ‘law’ means principal has to care for them” — Charlotte Observer

WTF Fun Fact 13427 – Museum’s Real Replica Sword

Chicago’s Field Museum’s real replica sword made quite a splash earlier this year.

In January, the museum revealed that a seemingly ordinary artifact was far more significant than initially believed.

A museum discovers their replica sword is real

The sword, previously considered a modern replica, was revealed as an authentic weapon dating back to the Bronze Age by Dr. James Phillips, an archaeologist at the museum. He first identified the potential misclassification.

As a sword enthusiast, Phillips found himself intrigued by the detailed craftsmanship and specific features of the piece, which hinted at its potential authenticity.

The sword’s journey began with an acquisition by an art dealer in Iran. It eventually found its way into the hands of Mr. William Nelson Pelouze. His wife subsequently donated the sword to the Field Museum in 1947. For years, the museum had labeled the sword (and treated it) as a replica. It’s true historical value remained unknown to its keepers and the numerous visitors that came to see it.

A treasure in plain sight

This situation changed when Neal Spencer, from the British Museum, conducted a comprehensive X-ray fluorescence test. This test, which accurately dates and analyzes the composition of artifacts, determined that the sword was crafted between 1200 and 800 BC. That places it squarely in the Late Bronze Age.

The sword’s construction also offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The way the blade and hilt are held together by rivets reflects ancient weapon-making techniques, providing an invaluable insight into the skills and methods employed by the metallurgists of that era. This expertise adds another layer of intrigue and importance to the artifact.

Now acknowledged as a true historical artifact, the sword fills a gap in the Field Museum’s extensive Luristan Bronze collection, which comprises a wide range of Bronze Age relics, including weapons, horse fittings, and jewelry, typically unearthed in western Iran.

A replica turned real reveals new insights

This discovery serves as a testament to the continuous evolution and revelation in historical study and museum practices. It underscores the necessity for constant re-evaluation of museum collections, breathing fresh life into the ever-evolving narrative of human history.

Moreover, it brings attention to the importance of museums as keepers of knowledge, mystery, and discovery. They are institutions that connect the present with the past, creating an ongoing dialogue between the then and now. The tale of the Bronze Age sword at the Field Museum is just one of many, reminding us that there is always more to learn, discover, and explore.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Authentic 3,000-Year-Old Bronze Age sword put on display at Field Museum” — Chicago Field Museum

WTF Fun Fact 13425 – The Dracula Parrot

Who doesn’t love a bird that looks like Dracula? They’re not exactly warm and cuddly, but the Dracula Parrot is a fascinating creature.

What is the Dracula Parrot?

The real name of this bird is Pesquet’s Parrot. Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, the oddly-colored creature is unlike any other parrot.

We typically think of parrots as brightly colored, but the Dracula parrot is black and charcoal grey with a dash of scarlet feathers. It’s those scarlet feathers on the belly and wings that make people think of the bloody book character.

What makes Pesquet’s Parrot unique?

In addition to its somber coloring (which we think is quite fashionable), the bird’s face is unlike other parrots’. The Dracula Parrot’s near featherless face is unusual in the parrot family, but serves a specific purpose. With a diet primarily composed of figs, the lack of feathers helps to keep them clean while feeding.

As a frugivore (not a vampire), the Dracula Parrot feeds on a variety of fig species. This dietary specialization also distinguishes it from its parrot relatives, who are often wood-chewers or nut-crackers.

Its feeding habits have, over time, necessitated an adaptation of strong, sharp claws that help it clasp onto branches while it gorges on its beloved figs.

Behavior and biodiversity of the Dracula Parrot

This beguiling bird is also unlike other parrot species behaviorally. Most of these birds are known for their loud calls and social behavior. However, the Dracula Parrot exhibits a comparatively quieter disposition.

In addition, their flight pattern, described as swift and purposeful, often takes them above the canopy. Other parrots prefer staying within it.

Unlike their more gregarious counterparts, Dracula Parrots tend to be found in pairs or small groups. This propensity for quieter, smaller congregations further amplifies their enigmatic persona.

They’re dark. They’re mysterious. They’re just…so cool!

A vivid reminder

While the Dracula Parrot adds an interesting hue to the rich biodiversity of New Guinea, it is, unfortunately, not immune to the threats that many wildlife species face today. Habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting for its striking feathers (used in local ceremonial attire) are significant challenges to its survival.

Its diet, so unique and specific, also makes it more vulnerable to the effects of habitat destruction.

However, not all is bleak for the bird. Conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure that this distinct bird continues to be a part of our planet’s beautiful biodiversity.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Pesquet’s Parrot (Dracula Parrot): Psittrichas fulgidus” — A-Z Animals

WTF Fun Fact 13421 – Sheep Walking in Circles

Do you ever feel like you’re going around in circles? Well, for a group of sheep in Inner Mongolia (in northern China), it’s the truth – the case of the sheep walking in circles has intrigued the whole world.

Why are sheep walking in circles in China?

The flock of sheep has been making headlines and leaving observers utterly baffled. Imagine this: over 400 fluffy creatures spending a dozen days walking in circles, around the clock, for no apparent reason.

You can see for yourself in a Tweet from late 2022 that shows the eerie action:

It all started when unsuspecting farm owner Ms Miao noticed a few members of her flock of 445 sheep acting peculiar. Rather than the usual meandering, the sheep kept moving in a uniform, nonstop circle. It became even more perplexing as the rest of the sheep joined in.

This seemingly synchronized movement lasted for an incredible 12 days!

So, what on earth was going on?

Internet theories bounced back and forth from the absurd to the scientific. Some whispered about extraterrestrial influences. Others suggested the sheep were performing a ritualistic dance or following a leader stuck in a rut. Some more grounded thinkers proposed the possibility of a viral infection causing neurological symptoms, leading the sheep to walk in a circle. Yet, no one could point out a definitive answer.

Local authorities and veterinarians jumped into action, trying to unravel the mystery of the circular march. They examined the sheep, searching for any signs of disease or infections. The result? No physical health issues. It was as if the sheep were merely marching to the beat of their own drum, oblivious to the stir they were causing.

Meanwhile, the spectacle continued to bewitch spectators and intrigued academics around the globe. Experts in animal behavior from different universities began investigating the phenomenon. They poured over the footage, studying each sheep’s motion, their interactions, and their formation’s intricacy.

Unraveling the mystery of the sheep circle

Eventually, animal experts stepped in to explain that the sheep were merely following their instinctual herd behavior. Sheep are flock animals, and they follow their leaders. If the leader walks in a circle, the others will follow, creating a perpetuating cycle until something disrupts it.

The experts’ opinion might not be as exciting as alien communication, but it was certainly more plausible. In this case, the most likely scenario was that the leading sheep started walking in a circle, maybe due to a physical ailment, and the rest merely followed, each sheep dutifully following the one in front. This theory, while not confirmed, put an end to some of the more far-fetched theories.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Mystery of Sheep Walking in Circle in China for 12 Days Potentially Solved” — Newsweek