wtf fact

WTF Fun Fact 13475 – The Harper Lee Christmas Gift Story

by

We’re lucky enough to have the book To Kill a Mockingbird in part because of a Harper Lee Christmas gift. Lee had left law school early and was struggling to finish her book in NYC. That is, until a couple gave her the gift of time.

The Working Woman

In 1949, Lee worked as an airline reservation agent in New York City for Eastern Air Lines and British Overseas Airways. But the Alabama native had her sights set on a writing career. The problem was that the demands of her job left little room for her to dive into her passion. Writing a book takes stretches of uninterrupted time. That’s not easy for a working person (no matter what those online courses tell you about writing a book in 60 days!).

Lee managed to start on a manuscript that turned into a short story. But she struggled to find the uninterrupted hours needed to shape and refine her work into a novel. She needed a break, a window of opportunity that could help her fulfill her literary dreams. That break arrived on a memorable Christmas Day in 1956.

An Iconic Christmas Gift

Now, they say you can’t give the gift of time – but technically, you can. Apparently, you just need to have the right friends.

That year, Lee’s friends, Broadway composer Michael Brown and his wife, Joy, gave her an extraordinary present. Instead of something tangible or ornamental, they offered Lee the gift of free time. They handed her a year’s wages, accompanying this gift with a single mandate: “You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please. Merry Christmas.”

I know what I’m adding to my holiday list this year!!

Emboldened by her friends’ generosity, Lee quit her job and devoted herself to her craft. The manuscript gradually transformed over that year, morphing into the remarkable novel we now recognize.To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960. It soon captured the hearts of critics and readers alike, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961.

The Legacy of the Harper Lee Christmas Gift

Today, To Kill a Mockingbird graces the shelves of readers around the world and continues to be a critical part of educational curriculums. Translated into over 40 languages, the novel’s tale of racial injustice and lost innocence in a small Southern town resonates with millions.

The Christmas gift that ignited the creation of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ represents more than financial aid. It embodies the impact of unwavering faith in a friend’s talent and potential. This story serves as a reminder of the transformative power that can stem from supporting someone’s dreams.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How a thoughtful Christmas present helped Harper Lee write ‘To Kill a Mockingbird'” — Business Insider

WTF Fun Fact 13474 – Once There Were No Mosquitos in Hawaii

by

Believe it or not, there were no mosquitoes in Hawaii until the 19th century.

In its early days, Hawaii was a natural utopia, a paradise that existed free of the annoying whine and itchy bites of mosquitoes. Native flora and fauna thrived without the interference of these bloodsuckers. This absence wasn’t by chance, though. Hawaii’s remoteness, surrounded by thousands of miles of open ocean, formed a natural barrier that kept mosquitoes, among other things, away.

The End of No Mosquitos in Hawaii

Everything changed in the early 19th century when mosquitoes finally found their way to the Hawaiian Islands. Brought inadvertently by humans, the first recorded arrival was in 1826 on a trading ship. The invasive species soon adapted to the tropical climate and began to breed in the islands’ plentiful standing water sources, spelling trouble for both the local ecosystem and the human population.

The Mosquito’s Impact on the Hawaiian Ecosystem

Once mosquitoes gained a foothold, the repercussions were significant. Hawaii’s native bird populations suffered drastically. Mosquitoes brought avian malaria and avian pox, diseases to which the indigenous birds had no immunity. This resulted in a significant decrease in bird populations, leading some species to the brink of extinction. The Hawaiian honeycreeper, for example, experienced a substantial decline, with some species entirely wiped out.

Humans also felt the effects of the mosquito invasion. Initially, the islands’ residents were not accustomed to the nuisance of mosquitoes. However, more than just a nuisance, mosquitoes brought diseases like dengue fever and the Zika virus, threatening public health. Moreover, tourism, a significant part of Hawaii’s economy, took a hit as the presence of these pests and the diseases they carried became a deterrent for some tourists.

Current Efforts to Control Mosquito Populations

Today, efforts are underway to control mosquito populations and mitigate their impacts on Hawaii’s ecosystem. Measures such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, and introducing mosquito predators like dragonflies are part of the strategy. In addition, genetic modification technologies are being explored to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to reproduce or carry diseases.

The late arrival of mosquitoes in Hawaii is a stark reminder of the profound effects human activities can have on isolated ecosystems. Even an event as seemingly minor as a mosquito stowing away on a ship can disrupt a delicate balance, causing ripple effects that last for centuries.

Gone are the days when there were no mosquitos in Hawaii. As the islands grapple with the ongoing challenges presented by mosquitoes, this tale provides valuable lessons about the importance of protecting the world’s unique environments from invasive species.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The Plan to Restore a Mosquito-Free Hawaii” — Revive & Restore

WTF Fun Fact 13473 – The Greyhound Saint of Lyon

by

Have you heard of Guinefort, the greyhound saint of Lyon, France?

The Legend of Guinefort, the Greyhound Saint

Guinefort’s story begins in the 13th century, nestled in the noble family of a knight who lived in a castle near Lyon. The knight had a faithful greyhound named Guinefort, who was entrusted with the protection of the knight’s infant son.

As the story goes, one day, the knight returned to his castle to find his baby’s cradle overturned, with Guinefort standing nearby, blood smeared on his muzzle. Assuming the worst, the knight believed Guinefort had harmed his child. In a fit of rage and grief, he slew the greyhound before discovering his infant son alive beneath the cradle, next to the lifeless body of a viper.

Guinefort, it turned out, had defended the child, killing the snake and saving the baby’s life.

The knight was filled with remorse and buried Guinefort in a well, planting trees around it as a memorial.

An Unconventional Saint

The story of Guinefort’s bravery and loyalty spread among the local people. They began to view the dog as a protector of infants, venerating him as a saint despite his canine status. A cult formed around Guinefort, with rituals involving mothers bringing their infants to his grave to seek his protection.

In the centuries that followed, Guinefort’s reputation as a protector of children persisted. Mothers continued to visit the grave, offering prayers and leaving tokens in the hope of invoking his protection.

The Church’s Stand on the Greyhound Saint

However, the veneration of a dog as a saint did not sit well with the Church. In the 13th century, Inquisitor Stephen of Bourbon discovered the cult and was horrified. He ordered the destruction of Guinefort’s shrine and condemned the practice, declaring it as heresy.

Despite these attempts, the cult of Saint Guinefort survived quietly among the local populace, passed down through generations. Even today, tales of the greyhound saint are still told in the region, keeping the legend alive.

The Greyhound Saint’s Cultural Impact

Guinefort’s story is not just a tale of a loyal dog. It has deeper cultural implications, reflecting the medieval society’s fears, beliefs, and social practices. The legend of Guinefort demonstrates the power of folklore and the human tendency to seek protectors and intercessors in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

There are still references to Guinefort in literature, film, and even video games. His tale continues to captivate, providing a unique perspective on faith, folklore, and our relationship with animals.

While the original shrine no longer exists, one can still find traces of Guinefort’s veneration in Lyon’s folklore and oral traditions. Visitors curious about this peculiar piece of history can still explore the region, soaking up the rich history and cultural landscape that fostered the legend of a canine saint.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The papacy, inquisition and Saint Guinefort the Holy Greyhound” — University of Reading

WTF Fun Fact 13469 – Giant Stuffed Rabbit in Italy

by

Yearning to travel and eager to visit a giant stuffed rabbit in Italy? Probably not, but it is worth knowing about.

In Piedmont, a region tucked away in the Italian countryside, this attraction might leave you speechless.

Meet Pinky, the Giant Stuffed Rabbit in Italy

Nestled on the Colletto Fava hill near Artesina in the Piedmont region, Pinky is not your usual sight. As you trek up the hillside, a Pepto pink greets you from the green landscape. The source? A colossal, 200-foot-long stuffed rabbit.

Pinky, officially named “Hase,” is the quirky brainchild of an artist collective named Gelitin hailing from Vienna. In 2005, the artists conceived the idea of bringing an unusual slice of joy to hikers traversing the picturesque Piedmont countryside. The result was this enormous pink rabbit. No one asked for it, but it certainly lends a little something extra to summiting the hill.

According to Gelitin’s website, the rabbit is both a representation of love and joy and a “decaying corpse.”

Pinky’s Unforgettable Presence

The magnanimity of Pinky, or Hase, is truly overwhelming. Rumor had it that Pinky was visible from space due to its sheer size, a testament to its unexpected grandeur. While personal spacecraft might not be available to us for verification, Google Maps provides a bird’s-eye view of the hillside, with Pinky clearly visible.

However, time hasn’t been kind to Pinky. The structure, now slowly decaying, is expected to last only until the mid-2020s, according to Gelitin’s prediction. It’s

Visiting Pinky

Despite Pinky’s deteriorating state, the strange fascination the giant rabbit offers hasn’t waned. The rabbit continues to be a popular feature on Instagram, with numerous visitors sharing snapshots of their unexpected encounter.

If you’re intrigued and wish to visit Pinky, the town of Artesina is approximately two hours by car from Turin and Genoa in Italy, or Nice in France. A combination of buses and trains can also get you there, but it might take significantly longer. However, considering Pinky’s state of decay, you might be just as well-advised to enjoy its spectacle via Google Earth.

You can even picnic on or near the bunny and slide down its legs. As long as you don’t mind being extra stinky when you get back downhill.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “This Gargantuan Stuffed Bunny Looms Over Piedmont, Italy” — Trip Savvy

WTF Fun Fact 13468 – The Streisand Effect

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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