random funny fact

WTF Fun Fact 13559 – Fun Fact About Football Jersey Numbers

Did you know that some players pick their football jersey numbers based on how slim the number itself might make them look?!

Numbers on a football jersey are more than just identifiers; they may influence our perception of a player’s physique. Recent research from UCLA delves into this intriguing aspect, suggesting that lower jersey numbers might make players appear slimmer.

The Tradition of Football Jersey Numbers

Traditionally, NFL mandated wide receivers to wear numbers between 80 and 89. However, a policy shift in 2004 offered players more flexibility in their choices. Fast forward to 2019, and a significant 80% of wide receivers favored numbers between 10 and 19. Why such a strong shift?

Ladan Shams, a celebrated professor at UCLA in psychology and neuroscience, spearheaded a study to understand this perceptual phenomenon. Published in the PLOS ONE journal, the research comprised two experiments. Observers consistently perceived players donning jerseys numbered 10-19 as slimmer than those in jerseys numbered 80-89, even when the players’ body sizes were identical.

Shams explained, “Numbers written on objects in our daily lives usually represent their magnitude. The higher the number, the bigger the object. Our brains detect and store these statistical associations, which can shape future perception.”

Addressing Skepticism

Considering potential criticisms, the research team conducted a second experiment. There might be a perception that the numeral 8, being wider than 1, could make players appear broader. To counteract this, they used number pairs like 17 and 71, 18 and 81, 19 and 91. The results? Players with higher numbers still appeared huskier, though the effect was slightly muted.

While these perceptions may not directly affect a player’s on-field performance, such biases have wider implications. These biases, often unnoticeable, influence judgments and decisions in everyday life. For instance, implicit biases, rooted in frequently associated negative qualities with a group, can dictate how individuals within that group are treated.

Shams emphasizes the power of representation, “We need to see all kinds of people doing a diverse range of activities. Harnessing the statistical learning ability of our brains can help counteract implicit bias.”

Football, often seen as just a sport, provides a mirror to deeper societal perceptions and biases. While the choice of a jersey number might seem trivial, it offers profound insights into human psychology and perception. As the saying goes, sometimes the details tell the broader story.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Lower jersey numbers make football players look thinner” — Science Daily

WTF Fun Fact 13556 – New Indo-European Language

Archaeologists may have discovered a new Indo-European language related to Hittite.

In the heart of north-central Turkey lies Boğazköy-Hattusha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the advanced urban architecture and artistry of the bygone Hittite Empire. These remnants of history not only provide a glimpse into an ancient civilization but its linguistic gems.

A Surprising Discovery

The Late Bronze Age, spanning from 1650 to 1200 BCE, saw the rise of the Hittite Empire as a dominant force in Anatolia. Beyond their prowess in warfare, the Hittites had a keen inclination towards documentation. From chronicling their monumental battles to codifying laws, they left no stone unturned. The medium? Clay tablets.

To date, researchers have discovered over 30,000 of these in Boğazköy-Hattusha, with most inscribed in the Hittite language.

A New Indo-European Language Related to Hittite

Among the vast array of Hittite tablets, researchers stumbled upon an anomaly: tablets inscribed in an unknown language.

Preliminary investigations suggest this language belonged to the people of Kalašma, near the north-western fringe of the Hittite heartland. The language’s nuances hint at similarities with Luwian, another tongue from the Hittite era.

Initial studies of the tablets indicate that they might detail ancient cultic rituals specific to Kalašma. Professor Daniel Schwemer from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg emphasizes the Hittites’ unique interest in foreign languages, especially when associated with rituals.

The mystery language, while distinct, showcases clear ties to the Indo-European family of languages.

This linguistic family spans across vast territories, enveloping languages like Hindi, Persian, Russian, and English. In Europe, apart from the unique Basque spoken in the Basque Country, most languages trace their origins back to the Indo-European lineage.

Ongoing Investigations

While the discovery of this new language has piqued the interest of linguists worldwide, much remains to be understood. Researchers are working tirelessly to decode the Kalasmaic text, which remains largely elusive.

The excavation in Boğazköy-Hattusha, spearheaded by the German Archaeological Institute, has garnered support from various organizations including the Thyssen Foundation, the GRH Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This collaborative effort brings together experts from different universities to interpret the vast wealth of information these tablets offer.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “A New Language Has Been Unearthed From Ancient Ruins In Turkey” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13555 – Spiderman Wedding

1987 marked a special year in the annals of comic book history – A SpiderMan wedding.

Marvel Comics decided not just to entwine the destinies of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and Mary Jane Watson in the illustrations of a comic book but to bring this union to life.

SpiderMan’s Wedding IRL

The matrimony of the characters was scripted for “The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21.” But in a bold move, Marvel Comics announced that Spider-Man and Mary Jane would exchange vows in a live-action wedding ceremony.

The location? Shea Stadium in New York. The attendees? Thousands of enthusiastic fans, media reporters, and a unique blend of the real and fictional worlds.

Marvel ensured a grand event by inviting a ton of celebrities and ensuring that actors were present, clad in full superhero regalia, representing some of Marvel’s iconic figures.

The Fantastic Four, Captain America, and even the Hulk graced the occasion, interacting with fans and providing a tangible connection to the Marvel Universe.

A Bride, A Groom, and A Legendary Designer

Mary Jan donned an elegant wedding dress, but this wasn’t just any gown. It was designed by none other than Willi Smith, a renowned fashion designer of that era.

Peter Parker, or Spider-Man, however, chose to walk down the aisle in his signature red and blue superhero suit, representing the duality of his life as both a superhero and a regular man in love.

Fans cheered as the couple exchanged vows. The lines between fiction and reality blurred as spectators felt the weight of Peter’s commitment, not only to his bride but to the city he vowed to protect. The cheers reached a crescendo when Spider-Man lifted his mask just enough to seal the union with a kiss.

The Impact and Legacy of the Spiderman Wedding

Marvel’s decision to host a live wedding was more than a promotional gimmick. It showcased the power of stories and their ability to influence, connect, and resonate with audiences. This event was a testament to Spider-Man’s popularity and the place he held in readers’ hearts.

For many fans, attending the wedding wasn’t just about witnessing two characters tie the knot; it was a celebration of being part of a larger community that shared their passion. The palpable excitement in Shea Stadium that day reflected the impact of comic books on popular culture.

The live-action wedding set a precedent for how media companies could interact with their audiences. It’s a testament to how narratives, when presented innovatively, can forge stronger connections with fans.

The Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson wedding was more than an event. It was a celebration of storytelling, fandom, and the unyielding bond between characters and their audiences.

Marvel Comics, through this event, illustrated that the world of comics isn’t confined to printed pages or drawn panels. It’s a universe that thrives in the hearts of its fans, occasionally spilling out into the real world in the most magical ways imaginable.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Marvel’s Weirdest Wedding Ever Saw Spider-Man & MJ Marry In Real Life” — ScreenRant

WTF Fun Fact 13553 – The Old Roman Senate

Apparently, a great many men these days have the Roman Empire on their minds a lot – but how often do they think about the Roman Senate, more specifically? Maybe more often after they read this.

The term “senate” comes directly from the Latin word “senex,” which translates to “old man.” In Rome’s vast political landscape, the Senate was a beacon of experienced governance and thoughtful deliberation. Also, a bunch of old men.

The Roman Senate Old In More Ways than One

Ancient civilizations, including Rome, frequently turned to their older members for guidance. Age brought with it a wealth of experience, and societies believed that elders, having lived through diverse challenges and changes, offered wisdom essential for leadership.

The Roman Senate, as a council of these respected elders, embodied this sentiment. It wasn’t just a political entity; it was meant to symbolize the gathering of Rome’s most esteemed minds and the cumulative knowledge of generations. Hence the word “senex” – because, of course, there were no women. (Roman women couldn’t vote, hold office, or serve in the military.)

Now, you can translate senex in a few ways. We like “Board of Old Men,” but you can go with “Council of Elders” if you like. And since the age of senators in the U.S. has been in the news quite a bit lately, it seems all the more…relevant.

The reverence for age and wisdom didn’t stop with Rome. The structure and function of the Roman Senate inspired many modern governments. Numerous countries now have their version of the Senate, acting as an upper house in their legislative frameworks.

Although the specific roles and requirements differ, the foundational principle often remains the same: a place for those with experience and knowledge to guide national decisions.

The Legacy of “Senate”

Modern senates, in many ways, still reflect the Roman tradition of valuing age and experience. In the United States, for instance, while individuals can serve in the House of Representatives at 25, they must wait until 30 to join the Senate. This age distinction, albeit subtle, underscores the continuing respect for experience in governance.

However, modern societies also grapple with the dynamics of age and wisdom. Questions arise:

Does age always equate to wisdom?

Should there be more representation from younger demographics?

While the term “senate” anchors us to a traditional reverence for age, contemporary debates challenge us to redefine the association between age and effective leadership.

The word “senate” serves as more than just a title for a legislative body. It connects us to centuries-old traditions, reminding us of the connection between age and wisdom that has shaped governance structures worldwide.

But today, we’re often looking for ways to balance that respect for experience with the need for diverse perspectives in leadership.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Roman Senate” — World History Encyclopedia

WTF Fun Fact 13551 – Sights from the Willis Tower

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the United States. Dominating Chicago’s skyline since its completion in 1973, this 110-story structure stands as a testament to modern architectural and engineering marvels.

As the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, it naturally offers some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. But few realize that, on a clear day, visitors to its Skydeck can see into not just one or two states, but four: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

A Glimpse into Four States from the Willis Tower

When you’re standing 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground on the Willis Tower’s Skydeck, the expansive view unfolds before you. To the northeast, the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan stretch out, leading your gaze toward Michigan’s sandy shores. To the north, Wisconsin’s rolling landscapes become discernible. Turning southeast, Indiana’s terrains come into view. Of course, beneath you sprawls the bustling city of Chicago, representing Illinois.

It’s a vista that offers a sense of the vastness of America’s Midwest. Each direction provides a different perspective and a unique slice of the American landscape.

The Magic of Clear Days

To get the most out of your visit, timing and weather conditions play pivotal roles. On overcast or foggy days, visibility reduces drastically, and seeing into neighboring states might become challenging. But on clear days, when the sky is virtually free of clouds and haze, the chances of spotting all four states dramatically increase.

Local weather forecasts can be your friend in planning the perfect time for a visit. Typically, days following a cold front, characterized by low humidity and clear skies, offer the best views. Early mornings and late afternoons, when the sun casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in a golden hue, can be particularly enchanting times to experience the Skydeck.

Why the View Matters

Apart from being a unique selling point for the tower, the ability to view four states from one vantage point offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the American Midwest. The sight underscores the geographical proximity and shared history of these states.

Historically, the region has been a hub for industry, agriculture, and trade, with Chicago often serving as a pivotal center for all these activities. The panoramic view reminds visitors of the ties that bind these states together, from the economic corridors to the shared waterways and cultural exchanges.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE WILLIS TOWER?” — SkyDeck

WTF Fun Fact 13548 – All Clownfish Are Born Male

All clownfish are born male. But they can change their sex.

The Basics of Clownfish Biology

Clownfish are reef-dwelling fish, easily recognizable by their striking orange color punctuated with white bands. They live among sea anemones, forming a symbiotic relationship that provides protection for the fish and food for the anemone. But their physical appearance and habitat preferences aren’t the only intriguing aspects of clownfish. Their reproductive system is a study in adaptability and role reversal.

In the animal kingdom, there are creatures that can change their sex under specific conditions. Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born male and have the potential to turn female later in life. In any given clownfish group or “school,” there’s a strict hierarchy. At the top sits the dominant female, the largest of the group. Below her is the dominant male, the second-largest. The rest of the group consists of smaller, non-reproductive males.

Clownfish Are Born Male But Not All Stay Male

When the dominant female dies or is removed from the group, an astonishing transformation occurs. The dominant male undergoes a sex change, turning into a female to fill the vacant role. Following this, the next in line from the non-reproductive males will grow larger, becoming the new dominant male. This ensures that the group remains reproductive.

This dynamic transformation isn’t just about filling a role. It’s a strategic evolutionary adaptation. In the ocean, where challenges abound, ensuring a breeding pair is always available maximizes the chances of offspring survival. The hierarchy and subsequent role shifts allow clownfish groups to maintain a breeding pair without needing to seek mates from outside their established territory.

The Science Behind Why All Clownfish Are Born Male

The process by which clownfish change their gender is a complex one, driven by hormones and external environmental factors. When the dominant female is no longer present, the absence of her hormones, which inhibited the sex change in the dominant male, triggers a shift. The dominant male’s testes transform into ovaries, and he becomes a she. This process can take a few days to weeks. Once the transformation is complete, the newly formed female can reproduce with the new dominant male.

Implications for Conservation and Aquariums

Understanding the clownfish’s unique reproductive strategy is crucial for conservation and those who keep them in aquariums. Overharvesting clownfish for home aquariums can disrupt their complex social structures, making it essential for collectors and hobbyists to be aware of their needs.

When kept in aquariums, clownfish can still display their natural gender transition behaviors. If a female clownfish in a home tank dies, it’s not unusual for the largest male to transition to take her place, provided the environment mimics their natural habitat closely.

A Window into Evolutionary Adaptations

The clownfish’s ability to change its gender as needed is a testament to the wonders of evolution. This adaptability provides them with a distinct advantage in ensuring their survival. It also serves as a reminder of the myriad ways nature devises solutions to challenges.

Clownfish are not the only creatures with such capabilities. Other fish species, and even some reptiles, have the ability to change their sex based on environmental or social triggers. However, the clownfish remains one of the most iconic examples, and their captivating life story adds another layer of intrigue to these already beloved marine creatures.

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Source: “Clownfish” — National Geographic

WTF Fun Fact 13545 – Stanford Taylor Swift Course

A Stanford Taylor Swift Course is on the books at Stanford. The aim? To explore the storytelling prowess of Taylor Swift, an artist who has, over a decade, deftly blended musicality with intricate narratives.

A Literary Dive: The Stanford Taylor Swift Course

Every week, students in this course will deep dive into one of Swift’s 10 albums. They’ll not just listen but dissect, focusing keenly on lyricism, storytelling, and oblique literary references.

Ava Jeffs, a sophomore at Stanford, championed this course offering. Her vision? “Situate it in the English department,” she emphasized to SFGATE. Jeffs believes in drawing parallels between Swift’s lyrical content and classic literature. For her, this course is a journey, one that maps the intricate lanes of literature onto the vast avenues of Swift’s music.

Swift’s musical repertoire often nods to literary giants. A striking example is the track “Ivy,” which echoes a phrase from Miller Williams’ poem “Compassion.” Even the album title, “Evermore,” has fans drawing connections to an Emily Dickinson poem.

These literary tie-ins signify the depth and breadth of Swift’s artistic canvas, and this course intends to highlight and celebrate these connections.

The Making of the Course

This new course is part of Stanford’s Student-Initiated Courses, a unique initiative where students pitch activity courses on a credit/no credit basis. Every SIC requires the backing of a faculty member, and for Jeffs, that support comes from Mark McGurl.

While Swift released her debut album in 2006, Jeffs’ admiration for the singer spans almost her entire life, creating a personal resonance and passion for this academic endeavor.

While Stanford’s course might sound avant-garde, it isn’t the first academic foray into Swift’s art.

In 2022, both New York University and the University of Texas at Austin explored Swift’s artistry in their courses. Stanford, however, aims to go a step further. Jeffs sees her course as a challenge to higher education norms, urging institutions to place popular music on the same pedestal as classical literary works.

For Jeffs, Swift’s narrative style holds immense academic value. She believes that Swift’s focus on storytelling mirrors the intricacies found in classic literature.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Stanford’s Taylor Swift course will explore the singer’s folklore” — SF Gate

WTF Fun Fact 13544 – How Long Can a Tarantula Live Without Food?

If you’re a tarantula owner, hopefully you’re not asking yourself, “How long can a tarantula live without food?”

However, if for some reason you need to know, the answer may astound you.

So, How Long Can a Tarantula Live Without Food?

Tarantulas, the large, hairy spiders that evoke fear in many, hold an astonishing survival capability – the ability to endure up to two years without a meal.

It’s a feat that many creatures on Earth would find hard to match.

But how does this eight-legged creature achieve such a prolonged fast?

Unique Physiology Allows Tarantulas to Live Without Food

Unlike mammals that require regular food intake for energy and maintenance, tarantulas have a slower metabolism. This low metabolic rate means that they don’t burn energy at the same speed as other animals. Consequently, they can conserve energy over long periods, allowing them to survive during times of food scarcity.

While they can survive without food for a long duration, access to water remains crucial.

Tarantulas, like all living organisms, need water for basic cellular functions. They can go weeks without it, but eventually, the lack of water will become a bigger concern than the lack of food.

When in their natural habitat, tarantulas will often burrow deep into the ground to access cooler and more humid conditions, which helps them maintain their water balance.

Refusing Food

Tarantulas, throughout their lifetime, go through periods of molting. This is when they shed their exoskeleton to allow for growth or to repair any damage.

During the pre-molt and molting phases, tarantulas tend to refuse food altogether, further lengthening the periods between meals. Additionally, the younger the spider, the more frequent these molting cycles are.

As tarantulas mature and their growth slows, their molting becomes less frequent, and the intervals between feeding can extend even further.

Food Scarcity Determines How Long A Tarantula May Go Without Food

In their natural habitats, tarantulas may not always find prey readily available.

Drought, seasonal changes, or other environmental factors can result in food shortages. Thus, this incredible adaptation to long fasting durations is not just an interesting fact; it’s a survival mechanism. It ensures that during lean times, the tarantula can wait it out, remaining relatively inactive, conserving energy, and then springing to action when food becomes available again.

Another factor that plays into the tarantula’s ability to go without food for extended periods is its size.

Larger tarantulas have more fat reserves than their smaller counterparts. These reserves provide the necessary energy during food shortages. Consequently, bigger tarantulas can often go longer without eating compared to younger, smaller ones.

Don’t Let Captive Tarantulas Go Without Food

While tarantulas have this remarkable ability, those who keep them as pets should exercise caution. In captivity, it’s not uncommon for tarantulas to refuse food for various reasons. Whether it’s due to stress, an impending molt, or changes in their environment, pet owners should monitor their spiders closely.

If a tarantula doesn’t eat, it’s essential to ensure that it has access to fresh water. And while they can go without food, this doesn’t mean they should be deliberately starved. Their natural ability to fast is a survival mechanism in the wild, not an invitation for neglect.

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Source: “How Long Can Tarantulas Go Without Eating Or Water?” — Animal Vivid

WTF Fun Fact 13542 – Null Island

At first glance, Null Island might seem like just another of the countless islands scattered across our planet. However, the truth about this island is far more fascinating: Null Island doesn’t really exist.

So, why does it have a name, and why do so many people know about it?

The Genesis of Null Island

Null Island gets its moniker from its coordinates: 0°N 0°E. This is the point where the equator meets the prime meridian, right off the west coast of Africa.

But if you were to travel to these exact coordinates instead of an island, you’d find yourself floating in the Gulf of Guinea. The island’s very existence is a digital fabrication, a response to a common error in Geographic Information System (GIS) data.

The advent of digital mapping and satellite tracking has revolutionized the way we navigate our world. But with technology comes the inevitability of errors.

When GIS doesn’t have valid data for some reason, it defaults the location as “null.” This translates to 0° latitude and 0° longitude in the system. Consequently, a vast number of mapping errors point to this exact location in the Gulf of Guinea, leading to the humorous creation of “Null Island” to “house” these mistakes.

Having Some Fun

In light of the frequent misplacement of geographical data to this point, some cartographers decided to have a bit of fun. They “created” a 100-square-meter island at the 0°N 0°E point, complete with its own flag, history, and even weather station (which, of course, does not exist). This conceptual island has become a well-known inside joke among the GIS community.

While Null Island is a humorous solution to a digital problem, its very existence serves an essential purpose. Every time data points erroneously to 0°N 0°E, it alerts cartographers and data scientists to an error in their datasets.

These mistakes can range from simple misplacements due to incorrect data entry to more systemic issues in data collection methods.

By having a “go-to” spot for these errors, professionals can more easily identify and rectify them.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Center of the Earth Has an Imaginary Island and One Floating Soul” — Atlas Obscura