random funny fact

WTF Fun Fact 13340 – T30 Building

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In 2011, a Chinese construction company built a 30-story hotel in just 15 days. The T30 was constructed by Broad Sustainable Building (BSB) in the city of Hunan. BSB’s speedy construction methods may sound like a bad thing, but the T30 boasts impressive features that make it safer and more sustainable than many other buildings.

Building the T30

The T30 was constructed using prefabricated modules, which are far quicker to use than traditional construction methods.

These modules are quite energy-efficient, with features like double-glazed windows and insulation to help reduce the building’s energy consumption.

T30 operates as a hotel – and one that people seek out for its excellent air quality. The hotel’s state-of-the-art air purification system reportedly delivers air that is 20 times cleaner than the air outside. This makes it attractive for travelers with respiratory issues (and those who simply understand the role of clean air on human health!).

In addition to its energy efficiency and air purification system, the T30 was designed to be earthquake-resistant. The building can reportedly withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 9.

A guest from the TreeHugger website (cited below) stayed at the hotel and reported:

“Compared to normally built hotel, the T30 is using a fifth of the energy, a quarter of the water, with air that is 20 times as clean as outdoor air. You can feel it; I have been in so-called green hotels in New York with noisy through-wall heat pumps that are inefficient and loud and ruin the whole experience. This is different. The square plan of the T30 may be efficient to build, but it generally feels just a bit too tight. But again, it doesn’t feel like a place that was built in 14 days, it is solid, it is quiet, and it works.
Broad Chairman Zhang Yue’s preoccupations do not include architectural design; they are all about energy efficiency, standardization, mass production, air quality, health.”

BSB’s other construction

The T30 is one of the many impressive buildings constructed by BSB. The company also built Mini Sky City in Changsha in just 19 days. It is currently the tallest prefabricated building in the world. The Mini Sky City is 57 stories high and 204 meters tall.

BSB has also developed modular kitchens and modular bathrooms designed to be energy-efficient.

BSB’s commitment to sustainable and innovative construction has earned them awards like the Energy Globe Award. And they’ve been recognized by the United Nations for their contributions to sustainable development.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “A Closer Look at Broad’s Hotels That Were Built in Days, Not Months” — TreeHugger

WTF Fun Fact 13338 – Monkey in the Mirror

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It’s not until we’re around 2 years old that we figure out what the mirror is showing us. And not all animals can recognize their own reflections. But if you train a rhesus monkey in the mirror, it will the first thing it’ll do is check out its genitals.

The monkey in the mirror

A 2015 study found that rhesus monkeys are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors and engaging in self-exploration behaviors, but only after some training. The research helps shed light on the cognitive abilities of non-human primates and their level of self-awareness.

The researchers trained a group of rhesus monkeys to touch a red dot on their faces after seeing it in a mirror. This task is commonly used to test an animal’s ability to recognize itself in a mirror and is considered a measure of self-awareness. It’s called the “standard mark test.”

It took several weeks of training for rhesus monkeys to pass the standard mark test. But, eventually, they were able to recognize themselves in the mirror and understand that the reflection was a representation of their own bodies.

The first thing the monkeys did after that? Umm. Let’s just say they engaged in a range of self-exploration behaviors.” And they started with their own genitals.

Monkey see

The rhesus monkeys didn’t spend all their time “down there” though. They eventually moved on to the nose and mouth, behavior similar to what has been observed in chimpanzees and orangutans.

The act of inspecting their own genitals may seem amusing, but it actually provides insight into the cognitive abilities of non-human primates. The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror is considered a measure of self-awareness. And that’s a crucial component of consciousness.

Self-awareness allows animals to engage in complex social behaviors, such as empathy, cooperation, and deception.

Rhesus monkeys’ ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and engage in self-exploration is significant because it suggests that they have a level of self-awareness that we previously thought unique to humans.

The study also has implications for our understanding of animal welfare. Animals that are self-aware are more likely to experience emotions, including pain, fear, and stress. This means that they may be more susceptible to negative welfare impacts, such as confinement and isolation.

If we understand the cognitive abilities of non-human primates, we can work towards improving their welfare.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Monkeys Learn to Recognize Themselves in a Mirror – And Promptly Check Out Their Butts” — Discover Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13333 – Dead Bird Drones

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In a somewhat morbid turn of events, scientists are reportedly making dead bird drones. Researchers at the University of New Mexico are using taxidermy techniques to preserve dead birds in order to outfit them with drone components, such as motors, propellers, and sensors.

Why dead bird drones?

Drones have long been modeled on birds and their flight mechanics. In this sense, it’s no surprise that engineers would try to improve drone design using birds so their machines can navigate through difficult terrain and adapt to changing conditions with ease. But the zombie bird thing gives us pause.

However, the project is still in its early stages. the researchers are experimenting with different types of birds to see which ones make the best drones. So far, they have tested the concept using quails and doves.

They’ve found that bird drones can fly and maneuver in ways that traditional drones cannot. For example, bird drones are able to fly close to the ground and through narrow gaps. This could eventually be useful for tasks such as search and rescue or inspecting infrastructure.

Isn’t this morbid?

While the concept of turning dead birds into drones may seem macabre, the researchers behind the project believe that it could have important implications for the future of drone technology. For example, bird-like drones are more energy-efficient than traditional drones.

“If we learn how these birds manage … energy between themselves, we can apply (that) into the future aviation industry to save more energy and save more fuel,” said Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, a mechanical engineering professor who is leading the project at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro.

Bird drones can also be less obtrusive than traditional drones, which may be noisy and disruptive. Since they’re quieter, bird drones could even be used for wildlife monitoring or scientific research without disturbing the animals being studied.

Of course, there are still many challenges to overcome, including the ethical considerations of taking an animal (even a dead one) and turning it into a tool.

Right now, the taxidermied prototype the engineers have built can only fly for 20 minutes.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Scientists Turned Dead Birds Into Zombie Drones to Spy on Humans” — Popular Mechanics

WTF Fun Fact 13331 – The Midlife Slump

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Some people tend to feel a sense of existential dread, sadness, or disappointment in life in their 40s or 50s. But this “midlife slump” is perfectly normal. Just don’t confuse it with the caricature of the midlife crisis where everyone runs out and buys red sports cars or has affairs.

Studying the midlife slump

According to research, people in “middle age” often experience a dip in happiness and life satisfaction between the ages of 40 and 50. One study even pinpointed the most miserable age – 47.2. Of course, that’s just an average, so don’t plan for it. The good news is this dip is usually temporary. In fact, after the slump is over, people tend to become happier as they age.

The midlife dip in happiness is caused by a combination of factors. The reality of an aging body, financial pressure, having to take care of both children and elders and the plain old realization that your life is half over (if you’re lucky). It seems to be all downhill from there.

Bouncing back

However, studies also find that people tend to rebound from the midlife slump with gusto. And they become happier as they age. In fact, one study found that people tend to be happiest in their 70s and 80s! Apparently, a sore body is no match for the satisfaction brought by wisdom. With age comes greater contentment and well-being!

So if you’re feeling a bit blue about hitting the big 4-0 or 5-0, take heart in the fact that the midlife slump is a normal part of the aging process. You can even make it a time for self-reflection and growth rather than drowning in your own misery. Some people use this time to make positive changes in their lives. You might start a new career, pursue a lifelong dream, take stock of your priorities, and begin to surround yourself with the people who matter.

Is a midlife crisis different?

The term “midlife crisis” was first coined in 1965 by psychologist Elliot Jaques. He used it to describe a period of self-doubt and reflection. But it only applied to his male patients. It wasn’t until many decades later that people realized women at this age were also struggling – they just deal with it differently and were more likely to seek help.

The classic “midlife crisis” isn’t a given. But it can be triggered by major life events that typically happen in one’s 40s or 50s. This can include the death of loved ones, divorces, job losses, and a general sense of unfulfillment. People find themselves asking “Is this it”? It’s a bit different from the midlife slump, which is a measure of happiness. And happiness is something internal.

Whatever kind of midlife rut you might find yourself in, take heart in the fact that it may be an opportunity for positive change.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Your happiness is more likely to hit rock bottom at age 47.2—but there’s an upside, says new research” — CNBC

WTF Fun Fact 13330 – Kamikatsu Recycling

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Kamikatsu recycling is intense. Citizens are expected to separate their recycling into 45 different categories! Kamikatsu is a small town located in Tokushima prefecture in Japan. It has become a paragon of innovation in waste management and, more specifically, recycling.

How did the strict Kamikatsu recycling program begin?

They began their journey to zero waste began in 2003 when the government mandated a policy to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The town stepped up in a big way, making its unique zero-waste initiative become a model for sustainability.

Kamikatsu’s strict recycling program requires residents to sort their waste into 45 different categories. The program is designed to maximize the amount of waste that can be recycled or reused and minimize the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

Some of the categories include:

  • Paper (including newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and packaging)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Aluminum cans and foil
  • Steel cans
  • Plastic containers (sorted by type)
  • PET bottles (sorted by color)
  • Tetra Pak packaging (such as juice boxes)
  • Food waste (to be composted)
  • Textiles (such as clothing and fabric)
  • Appliances and electronics
  • Batteries
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Bulky waste (such as furniture and mattresses)
  • Construction waste

Residents are even required to wash their waste before placing it into the correct bins.

What are the challenges of this type of program?

The town’s recycling facility has separate areas for each category of waste, and staff members carefully sort the materials. Of course, this comes with challenges. One is the cost of transportation – the town is in a remote location.

The second challenge is one all towns and cities face – the need to change the mindset and behavior of residents. The town has implemented a variety of programs to educate residents about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, including workshops, events, and campaigns.

However, changing deeply ingrained habits and attitudes takes time and persistence. As you might imagine, the town’s strict recycling requirements have been met with mixed reactions from residents. Some find the requirements to be burdensome and time-consuming.

Nevertheless, Kamikatsu has become a model for sustainable waste management and has earned international recognition for its sustainability project.

Meeting goals

Originally, the goal was for Kamikatsu to become a zero-waste town by 2020. While the town did not exactly happen, it has made significant progress in reducing its waste output.

By 2020, over 80% of its waste was being recycled, composted, or reused. The town has also taken steps towards becoming carbon-neutral, building a solar power plant and financing a project to turn food waste into biogas.

In 2016, the town opened its Zero Waste Academy to educate visitors about its recycling program.

Kamikatsu’s journey towards zero waste and carbon neutrality is a glimpse into a sustainable future and an inspiration to individuals and communities around the world.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “‘No-waste’ Japanese village is a peek into carbon-neutral future” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13324 – History of Peonies

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PeonieshavealonghistorythatcanbetracedbacktoancientChinaandJapan,wheretheywerefirstgrownfortheirmedicalbenefitsbeforebeingprizedfortheirbeauty.

Early peony history

The peony was first cultivated in China more than 2,000 years ago, and because of its beauty and scarcity, it swiftly came to represent riches and grandeur. 

In fact, the peony used to be cherished so highly that it was regarded as more valuable than gold. As a result, it was occasionally used as money.

TheChineseemployedthepeonyasaremedyforanumberofillnesses,includingepilepsy,headaches, anddigestiveissues.

Because they believed the flower had a relaxing effect on the body and psyche, it was also used in religious festivals.

The peony eventually received its own “Peony Festival” in China because of its increasing popularity. In Luoyang, China, this continues to be a holiday today. Thousands of peonies are on exhibit during the event in full bloom.

The history of peonies in Japan

The peony was also prized for its therapeutic benefits and for its purported ability to fend off evil spirits in Japan.

The flower was also admired by the Japanese for its grace and beauty, and it quickly became popular with the aristocracy. It was so revered in Japan that it was frequently depicted as a motif in literature and appeared on Japanese banknotes.

The peony remains a prominent motif in contemporary Japanese art. It is often used to symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and beauty.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, the peony has a special place in Chinese and Japanese mythology. According to legend, it sprung from the blood of a beautiful nymph killed by the gods out of jealousy. The peony was said to have been the nymph’s favorite flower and was believed to be imbued with her beauty.

Today, the peony is still a popular flower for Mother’s Day and other special events, such as weddings. Peonies come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow. They are easy to care for since they can be grown in a variety of climates.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The History Of The Peony Flower” — Appleyard London

WTF Fun Fact 13322 – Canadian Love of Macaroni and Cheese

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Sure, Americans love their mac and cheese. But not as much as Canadians. In fact, Canadians love macaroni and cheese, and they love it more than anyone else in the world and consume the most macaroni and cheese per capita!

Why do Canadians love macaroni and cheese so much?

One theory about this is that it has to do with the cold weather. Most of Canada has long, harsh winters, so comfort foods like mac and cheese are a way to warm up and feel cozy. Fair enough – but no one really needs a cold day to enjoy cheesy pasta, do they?

Of course, the dish is also easy to make, affordable, and easily customizable. But that’s why it’s popular in many countries.

The popularity of mac and cheese in Canada is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, Canadians have been eating mac and cheese since the early 1800s, back when it was known as macaroni pudding.

The dish became more widely available in the 1930s with the introduction of Kraft Dinner. But Kraft became a staple in Canadian AND American households. So it’s unclear why Canadians are eating so much more of it.

The rise of Kraft

Kraft Dinner, also known as KD in Canada, is extra popular in Canada. It’s estimated that Canadians consume 55% more KD per capita than Americans consume Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (same product, two different names).

We might not be quite as surprised if this was just about Kraft Dinner. But Canadians also love to make homemade macaroni and cheese. In fact, many Canadian restaurants offer mac and cheese on their menus, with creative twists like lobster mac and cheese or mac and cheese with pulled pork.

Again, Americans do too, but apparently, the country is losing the battle for mac and cheese dominance.

The popularity of mac and cheese in Canada has not gone unnoticed by food companies. As a result, there has been a surge in the number of gourmet mac and cheese products available in Canada.

Of course, this all comes with concerns about the high sodium and fat content of some pre-packaged products. But that never stopped any of us from occassionally indulging.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “This Country Eats Way More Kraft Mac & Cheese Than The US” — Mashed

WTF Fun Fact 13320 – The Fear of Other People’s Opinions

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Allodoxaphobia is the name for fear of other people’s opinions. It’s a relatively uncommon phobia, but it can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. People with allodoxaphobia can experience intense anxiety and distress when confronted with opinions that differ from their own. They may also fear being asked to share their own opinions.

Fearing other people’s opinions

The word “Allodoxaphobia” comes from the Greek words “allo” (meaning “other”), “doxa” “meaning “opinion”), and “phobia” (meaning “fear”). Researchers typically associate this phobia with social anxiety rather than just rejecting other people’s opinions. In fact, it can have a significant negative impact on an individual’s personal and professional life (then again, so can rejecting other people’s opinions).

Symptoms of allodoxaphobia can vary widely and will depend on the severity of the phobia. Some allodoxaphobics have physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, and nausea. Others may have emotional symptoms like intense fear, panic, and avoidance of situations where opinions are likely to be expressed.

How does a person develop allodoxophobia?

The causes of allodoxaphobia are not fully understood. Like many phobias, it’s likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some researchers suggest that individuals with a history of anxiety or other mental health conditions may be more likely to develop allodoxaphobia.

Treatment for allodoxaphobia typically involves therapy. But in severe cases, anti-anxiety medication may be in order, especially for someone with a severe phobia that they are trying to overcome through exposure therapy.

Therapists often recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy and different types of psychotherapy along with lifestyle changes like relaxation techniques.

Are we afraid of opinions that don’t match our own?

This phobia is very rare. People who get upset by competing opinions are not necessarily phobic.

People who have irrational reactions to conflicting opinions aren’t necessarily allodoxaphobic. Rather, they may simply lack emotional maturity, the vocabulary to explain their opinion (which can lead to frustration, or be concerned that their opinion will reveal a lack of knowledge on the topic that would embarrass them. These are not the same things as a phobia, which is a medical diagnosis.

However, anger or fear towards the opinions of others can be addressed through self-help techniques or with the help of a qualified mental health professional if they interfere with a person’s life.

In some cases, allodoxaphobia appears to be related to a fear of change or a fear of being wrong. These people may also feel a strong need for certainty and control, which can make it difficult for them to accept differing opinions or beliefs.

While it is normal and healthy to have personal opinions and beliefs, it’s important to remember that everyone has the right to their own thoughts and feelings. By learning to be open-minded and respectful of differing opinions allodoxaphobic people can overcome their fear of other people’s opinions and lead more fulfilling lives. But it can help all of us cope with everyday life in the 21st century.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Allodoxaphobia (A complete guide)” — Optimist Minds

WTF Fun Fact 13318 – The Science of Spring Flower Growth

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Many people eagerly await the first signs of spring. One major clue is the emergence of new plants, including a few colorful flowers. Of course, many plants wait until the ground thaws and the temperature warms up before starting to grow. But the science of spring flower growth is complex. And some flowers have a unique adaptation that allows them to bloom even in the coldest of conditions.

Two flowers you may have seen early in the year are crocuses and snowdrops. These actually have the ability to push through frozen soil and snow to bloom in early spring! It’s all made possible by a special adaptation in their cells that allows them to expand and contract with changes in temperature.

The science of spring flower growth

This adaptation in a few flowers is due to a process called thermoperiodism. This requires a cycle of low and high temperatures in order to help trigger growth.

Here’s how it works: The cells in these flowers contract when the temperatures drop. This causes a vacuum that draws water and nutrients from the soil into the plant. The cells begin to re-expand as the temperatures climb. This expansion and contraction push the flowers through the frozen ground. Pretty cool, right?

Now, these early-blooming flowers depend on this ability to survive. By blooming early, they are able to take advantage of the increased sunlight. They also get early pollinators (like bees and butterflies) that are essential for their reproduction. And they don’t have to compete for these resources.

Crocuses and snowdrops are also popular flowers for their beauty and variety. Crocuses come in a wide range of colors, including purple, white, yellow, and pink. They can be found in both single and multiple petals. Snowdrops, on the other hand, are known for their unique bell-shaped flowers – typically white or pale green.

While crocuses and snowdrops are among the most well-known flowers that can push through frozen soil and snow, they are not the only ones. Other early-blooming flowers include winter aconite, Siberian squill, and hellebore.

—WTF fun facts

Source: Burn through snow – What flowers can do that we wish we could do too!” — The Art of Ecology