wtf fact

WTF Fun Fact 13328 – Juice Jacking

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Have you ever been out and about, only to find that your smartphone’s battery is running dangerously low? You might have felt relieved to spot a public USB charging station, ready to juice up your device. But did you know that these seemingly innocent charging points could put your personal data at risk? Juice jacking is a cyberattack that uses public charging stations to steal data and install malware on devices. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about this growing threat, which you can read more about in this Snopes article.

What is juice jacking?

Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where criminals modify public USB charging stations, allowing them to access and steal data from devices that are connected to these stations. The attackers can also install malware on your device, which could allow them to remotely control your phone or access your sensitive information.

USB charging ports carry both power and data. When you plug your device into a charging port, you may unknowingly create a connection that allows for the transfer of data. Cybercriminals exploit this connection by installing hardware or software in the charging port that can intercept the data transfer between your device and the charger. This could include personal information such as photos, passwords, or banking information.

The risks associated with juice jacking

The risks associated with juice jacking can be severe, especially if your device contains sensitive information. Some potential consequences of a juice jacking attack include:

  1. Identity Theft: Cybercriminals may steal personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, or banking details. This data can be used to open accounts in your name or commit other fraudulent activities.
  2. Financial Loss: If your banking or credit card information is compromised, criminals can make unauthorized transactions, emptying your accounts or racking up charges on your credit cards.
  3. Data Loss: Attackers can wipe your device, resulting in the loss of important data such as contacts, messages, and photos.
  4. Malware Infection: Malware installed on your device during a juice jacking attack could give criminals remote access to your device, allowing them to track your movements, eavesdrop on your conversations, or access sensitive information.

How to protect yourself

To reduce the risk of falling victim to a juice jacking attack, consider the following safety tips:

  1. Carry a Portable Charger: Invest in a portable charger or power bank that you can carry with you, ensuring that you always have a reliable and safe source of power for your device.
  2. Use AC Power Outlets: When possible, opt for traditional AC power outlets instead of USB charging stations. By using your own charger, you minimize the risk of connecting your device to a compromised port.
  3. Use a USB Data Blocker: Also known as a “USB condom,” a data blocker is a small device that you can plug into a USB port before connecting your charging cable. It allows power to pass through while blocking data transfer, protecting your device from potential attacks.
  4. Keep Your Devices Updated: Regularly update your devices with the latest security patches and software updates to minimize the risk of malware infections.

While public USB charging stations can be a convenient solution when your device is running low on power, they may also pose a significant risk to your personal data. By being aware of the threat of juice jacking and following the tips outlined above, you can protect yourself and your devices from this growing cybersecurity menace.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How Serious Is the Security Threat of ‘Juice-Jacking’?” — Snopes

WTF Fun Fact 13327 – Lachanophobia

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Lachanophobia is a relatively unknown phobia that affects a small portion of the population. It refers to an irrational fear of vegetables. People who suffer from this phobia experience extreme anxiety and distress at the mere sight, thought, or taste of certain vegetables This can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

What causes lachanophobia?

We don’t yet fully understand the causes of lachanophobia. But some experts suggest that this phobia may develop as a result of negative experiences with vegetables. This can include something like choking or gagging on them in the past. But others believe it’s linked to a general fear of contamination or illness.

Lachanophobia can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. People with this phobia may even avoid restaurants or social events that they believe will serve vegetables. This can lead to isolation and social withdrawal. They may also struggle to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, which can lead to a range of physical health problems over time.

Clearly, this is about a lot more than just disliking your veggies.

Can we treat the fear of vegetables?

Treatment for lachanophobia typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy gradually exposes a person to their fear in a safe and controlled environment. Psychiatrists may also prescribe antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications to help manage symptoms and reduce anxiety.

Lachanophobia is not a modern phenomenon. People have recorded cases of the fear of vegetables throughout history, with many ancient cultures associating certain vegetables with negative or evil spirits. In some cases, these fears have been linked to religious beliefs, such as the belief that certain vegetables are unclean or forbidden.

The fear of vegetables doesn’t have to be all-encompassing. It can involve just one vegetable. You may remember, for example, a 1993 episode of Seinfeld in which the character Kramer has a fear of cucumbers.

—WTF fun facts

Source:

WTF Fun Fact 13325 – Spring Daylight

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In spring daylight increases each day by 2-3 minutes. This helps the world awakens from its winter slumber. As the days get longer and the sun begins to shine brighter, it’s a reminder that winter is behind us and summer is just around the corner.

How does spring daylight increase?

The increase in daylight during the spring season is a result of the Earth’s axial tilt and position in its orbit around the sun. During the spring equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in equal amounts of light and darkness. After the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt more toward the sun. This is what leads to longer days and shorter nights.

Gaining light

Throughout the spring season, the amount of daylight increases by approximately 2-3 minutes each day. This adds up to a significant increase in total daylight hours by the end of the season. By the time the summer solstice rolls around in late June, some places in the Northern Hemisphere can experience as much as 17 hours of daylight.

This increase in daylight has an impact on both the natural world and human behavior. For plants, the longer days provide more opportunities for photosynthesis. For humans, they provide more opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. This increase in activity can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to boost mood and energy levels.

Despite the many benefits of longer daylight hours in the spring, one notable challenge is the loss of sleep that can occur when the clocks “spring forward” for daylight saving time. But in the end, most people agree that springtime gives them a feeling of renewal.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How Much Daylight Do We Gain After the Winter Solstice?” — Old Farmer’s Almanac

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 13323 – Helicopter Tree Trimming

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Helicopter tree trimming involves the use of a helicopter equipped with a circular saw to trim tree branches. Skilled pilots and experienced arborists execute the carefully planned process of helicopter tree trimming, which can be dangerous and risky.

The wild world of helicopter tree trimming

The use of helicopters for tree trimming has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its efficiency and effectiveness. And it’s not just for giant trees. In fact, traditional methods of tree trimming, such as using cherry pickers or bucket trucks, can sometimes be too time-consuming or require crews to shut down roads and neighborhoods. With helicopter tree trimming, a team of arborists can trim several trees in a single day while minimizing disruption to the community.

Still sounds dangerous, right?

How does this process work?

Before the trimming process begins, arborists carefully examine trees and render a thorough assessment of the surrounding environment. The team obviously needs to take into consideration any obstacles or hazards, such as power lines or buildings (or people!) in the area.

Arborists identify the trees to be trimmed, then the helicopter takes off, and the pilot hovers over the target tree. An arborist then lowers from the helicopter on a line carrying a chainsaw or the pilot lowers a specially designed trimming saw to get the job done. These saws are equipped with a circular blade that can quickly and cleanly cut through thick branches.

Obviously, the arborists are highly skilled and experienced in using the saw. They need to be able to make precise cuts, avoid hitting power lines, and make sure there are no unfortunate accidents. They also need to be able to move quickly move from one branch to another as the helicopter hovers and maneuvers around the tree.

Helicopter tree trimming allows arborists to trim trees in areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. This includes steep slopes, remote areas, and densely forested regions.

It should come as no surprise that this is a risky business. The arborists work at great heights and in challenging weather conditions. They must be constantly aware of the rotor blades and other potential hazards. But with proper safety protocols in place, it is a safe and effective technique.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Aerial Saw Is Boon to Line Trimming” — T&D World

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 13321 – Wealth Psychologists

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Have you ever been so rich that you needed a therapist to deal with all of the pressure and anxiety that comes with your wealth? We haven’t either. Sure, we know the old saying “money can’t buy happiness,” but in our experience, it can surely help! Still, for some people, the challenges of wealth are a burden for which they need the assistance of “wealth psychologists.”

The role of wealth psychologists

Immense wealth can come with unexpected challenges and even psychological issues, especially for ultra-rich individuals. For them, the burden and stress of managing their wealth can be overwhelming. So, to help them cope, some banks and financial institutions have started offering the services of wealth psychologists.

Wealth psychologists are trained therapists who specialize in helping wealthy people deal with the psychological and emotional issues that come with their fortunes. They work with clients not only to help manage their money but the family conflicts, guilt, and anxiety it may present.

The concept of wealth psychology is not new. The term was coined in the early 1980s by Dr. Stephen Goldbart and Joan DiFuria, who founded the Money, Meaning, and Choices Institute in California. It was one of the first organizations to offer counseling and therapy services to ultra-wealthy clients.

What do these professionals actually do?

The job description of a wealth psychologist varies depending on the needs of the client. It can be financial planning assistance or more personal. After all, it must be a challenge to manage relationships with family members or even deal with guilt depending on the amount of money you have and its original source.

Wealth psychology encompasses a range of techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. This helps the ultra-rich change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Things like mindfulness-based stress reduction can help the wealthy manage stress and anxiety. Of course, family therapy may also be necessary for clients who have conflicts and communication issues within their families.

The greatest fear of the ultra-rich

One of the biggest challenges ultra-rich people face is the fear of losing their wealth, also known as “affluenza.” This fear can even cause people to make bad financial decisions or take unnecessary risks to protect their wealth.

Wealth psychologists can help address these fears and steer clients towards healthy attitudes towards their money. Another common issue that wealthy individuals face is guilt, particularly when they have inherited it or feel that they have not earned it.

Some critics have argued that wealth psychology is a waste of professional resources and that therapists should focus on helping people struggling with poverty or financial insecurity. But, let’s face it, we all need a little emotional support sometimes. And by helping the ultra-rich manage their wealth, wealth psychologists may even contribute to the common good.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Wealth Psychologists” — Investopedia

WTF Fun Fact 13319 – Solar Panel Production

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As nations throughout the world work to decrease their carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy, solar panel production has increased significantly in recent years. China is one of the major players in the solar panel business thanks to its extensive production and inexpensive prices. Yet, the U.S. is making efforts to catch up and reclaim its position as a global leader in the manufacture of solar panels.

Dominance in solar panel production

China controls 80% of the global solar panel market and is now able to sell solar panels for far less than businesses in other nations. However, there has been increasing concern about China’s use of forced labor, particularly of the Uyghur population, in the production of their solar panels.

While it’s not clear how many solar panels produced in China use forced labor, given the scale of the industry and the reports of human rights abuses in the region, there have been calls for the solar industry to ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor and other human rights abuses.

U.S. attempts to corner the solar supply chain

The United States is gradually catching up to China’s solar industry thanks to rules and incentives put in place to encourage domestic production and consumer uptake. For example, the US Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL) has set aside money for the procurement of raw materials, manufacturing, and utility-level adoption.

Additionally, American businesses are funding emerging technologies that might transform the manufacturing of solar panels so it no longer needs to rely on China for raw materials, such as polysilicon. Thin-film solar panels, for instance, which are being tested by some businesses and could bring down the price of solar panels and increase consumer access to them.

In 2021, the United States installed over 20 gigawatts of solar capacity (bringing the total installed capacity to 142.3 gigawatts), which accounted for 50% of new electricity.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Solar Panels Made in USA vs China: What’s Better?” — Go Green Solar

WTF Fun Fact 13316 – Bermuda’s Good Friday Kites

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Do you know about Bermuda kites? Well, in Bermuda, Good Friday is celebrated by flying kites. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century. Since then, it has become an important part of Bermudian culture.

The history of Bermuda’s Good Friday kites

There are a few theories about the origins of kite flying on Good Friday in Bermuda, but not much is known for sure. Some have suggested that kite flying was something brought over by British soldiers who were stationed on the island. But it’s unclear what the Good Friday connection would be. Others trace it back to a local teacher who used a kite to explain the ascension of Jesus to their students around Easter.

The kites themselves feature intricate designs and colors, and people spend a lot of time and energy creating them. Bermuda kites are often over 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making them much larger than your average kite. They’re typically made from lightweight materials such as tissue paper, bamboo, and string, making them easier to get aloft.

According to Wikipedia:

“The kites are typically hexagonal, though larger examples, particularly, may be octagonal, or have even more sides. They are constructed from flat sticks arrayed like spokes of a wheel, with a nail at the axis. A string passes around the ends of the sticks, marking out the edges, and concentric strings are arranged inside of this, all contributing to the rigidity of the structure. Colored tissue paper is glued into the spaces created between strings and sticks. Using different colors, patterns are created. The kite has a single stick secured at one end to the axis, and rising at a shallow angle from the plane created by the other sticks…A long, cloth strip tail is fitted to the kite, without which it would be unable to fly.”

Flying Bermuda kites

Kite flying on Good Friday in Bermuda is not just about competition and artistry. It is also a way to bring the community together and celebrate Bermudian culture.

In recent years, the tradition of kite flying on Good Friday in Bermuda has faced some challenges. The rise of technology and video games has made it harder to attract younger generations to the tradition. Additionally, changes in weather patterns have made it more difficult to predict the wind conditions necessary for kite flying.

Nevertheless, a die-hard group still heads to the beaches each Good Friday to keep up the tradition, making for a beautiful holiday spectacle.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Bermudian Traditions for Easter Weekend” — Bermuda Tourism