wtf

WTF Fun Fact 13292 – Earthquake Lights

Earthquakes can generate electromagnetic waves that are detectable by animals hours or even days before the actual event occurs. This phenomenon is known as the “earthquake lights” or “seismic lightning” and is still not fully understood by scientists.

The strange phenomenon of earthquake lights

Have you ever heard of “earthquake lights” or “seismic lightning”? This phenomenon has intrigued scientists for years. The lights appear to be the result of electromagnetic waves. Their faint glow appears to be detectable by animals (and certain forms of technology).

Regardless of its origin, this phenomenon has the potential to provide valuable insights into the physics of earthquakes.

According to National Geographic (cited below), “Earthquake lights can manifest themselves in different ways, from a faint, diffuse glow on the horizon to flame-like streamers emanating from the ground.” They can appear in a variety of colors, including white, blue, yellow, and red.

These lights have been observed in various forms, including:

  • luminous clouds
  • flashes of light
  • glowing balls of light that hover over the ground

Predicting earthquakes

Studies have shown that some animals, including dogs and horses, are able to sense the electromagnetic waves produced by earthquakes. As a result, they may exhibit unusual behavior before an earthquake strikes.

Similarly, some researchers believe that the lights themselves may be an early warning sign of an impending earthquake. Eventually, this could allow us to prepare and evacuate before the shaking begins.

These lights have been observed for centuries. But they remain poorly understood by scientists who are still working to determine how and why they are produced. Some suggest that they are the result of electrical charges building up in rocks and soils under stress. Others propose that they may be related to the release of gases from the Earth’s crust.

In 1965, residents of Matsushiro, Japan, witnessed a spectacular display of earthquake lights before a major earthquake struck the area. The lights appeared as bright, white flashes that seemed to be coming from the ground. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0, caused significant damage in the region.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Earthquake Lights – Explained” — National Geographic

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WTF Fun Fact 13291 – Battle of the Oranges

The Battle of the Oranges is a festival held in Ivrea, Italy. Participants throw oranges at each other to commemorate the town’s liberation from a cruel medieval ruler. It is estimated that over 900 tons of oranges are used in the battle each year.

A medieval origin story

The city of Ivrea is located in the Piedmont region of Italy. This is where they hold the annual Battle of the Oranges, which takes place in February or March every year during the carnival season.

The battle is believed to stem from a medieval tradition. According to legend, the town of Ivrea was ruled by a cruel feudal lord during the Middle Ages. He was known for his tyrannical rule and oppressive taxes.

As the story goes, one day a young miller’s daughter named Violetta was chosen to spend a night with the lord, as was the custom of the time. However, Violetta refused to submit to the lord’s desires and instead beheaded him with his own sword.

Apparently, the townspeople were inspired by Violetta’s courage. As a result, they rose up against the lord’s soldiers and drove them out of town. To commemorate their victory, the people of Ivrea started throwing oranges at each other. The oranges symbolize the rocks that were used during the original battle.

The tradition of the Battle of the Oranges

The tradition of the Battle of the Oranges continued to evolve over the centuries. Eventually, it became a carnival event.

The festival is now divided into three days, with each day having its own unique rituals and ceremonies. The first day of the festival is called Giovedì Grasso (Fat Thursday), which marks the start of the carnival season. A large parade featuring floats, dancers, and musicians dressed in colorful costumes takes place. At the end of the parade, a large bonfire is lit in the town square. People gather around it to celebrate the start of the festival.

The second day of the festival is called Sabato Grasso (Fat Saturday). This is when the Battle of the Oranges takes place. The oranges used during the battle are specially grown for the event and are not suitable for consumption. The oranges are also carefully selected and checked to ensure that they hard enough to cause injury.

Participants in the battle wear traditional costumes. Some dress as medieval soldiers, while others are dressed as peasants or Violetta herself.

Those not participating in the battle are advised to wear protective clothing in case they get hit by the oranges.

Battle rules

The battle takes place in the city center, which is divided into nine zones. Each zone represents a different area of the town. Participants try to hit their opponents with oranges while avoiding being hit themselves. The battle lasts for several hours and ends when all the oranges have been used up.

The Battle of the Oranges is not just a fun carnival event, but it also has a deeper meaning for the people of Ivrea. It symbolizes the town’s struggle for freedom and its victory over oppression.

In recent years, the Battle of the Oranges has gained popularity and has attracted visitors from all over the world. The festival has also inspired similar “orange battles” in other parts of the world, including in Greece and Spain.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Age-Old Food Fight That Beats an Italian Town to a Pulp” — New York Times Magazine

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WTF Fun Fact 13290 – The Spring Equinox At Chichen Itza

In March, visitors flock to Mexico to celebrate the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization and is home to some of the most iconic Mayan ruins in the world. Among these ruins is the Kukulcan Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which is famous for its alignment with the spring and fall equinoxes.

Celebrating the spring equinox at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan civilization over the course of several centuries. Construction started in the 7th century CE. The site contains many impressive structures, including pyramids, temples, ball courts, and an observatory. But the most famous is the Kukulcan Pyramid.

On the day of the spring equinox each year, the pyramid is known for a visual effect known as the “serpent of light.” As the sun rises, the pyramid casts a shadow that appears to be a serpent slithering down the steps. This phenomenon is caused by the angle of the sun and the pyramid’s unique design, which incorporates 365 steps, one for each day of the year.

What’s amazing about the structure is that the architects knew astronomy so well that they could build something so large that also has such a dramatic effect at a precise moment centuries later.

The Serpent of Light

The serpent of light is a significant event for the Mayan people. They view it as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and the renewing power of the sun. Many visitors flock to Chichen Itza on the day of the spring equinox to witness this event.

In addition to the pyramid, Chichen Itza is home to many other fascinating ruins. Among them are the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory. Each of these structures has its own unique history and significance in Mayan culture.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The descent of the serpent in the Chichen Itza Equinox” — Mayan Peninsula

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WTF Fun Fact 13289 – Horoscopes and The Barnum Effect

Horoscopes have captivated people for thousands of years. For many, reading their horoscope is a daily ritual. They may even believe it provides insight into their personality, relationships, and future. But that’s because writers use vague and general statements that can apply to anyone. This phenomenon is known as the Barnum Effect.

What’s the Barnum Effect?

The Barnum Effect is a psychological phenomenon in which people believe that vague statements about their personality or circumstances are actually specific to them. The effect is named after P.T. Barnum, the 19th-century circus owner, who famously said, “there’s a sucker born every minute.”

Of course, we’re not calling people suckers; it’s just that horoscopes are deliberately written to make you feel a certain way even though they can’t possibly be directed at you.

Now, if you’re feeling superior because you would never believe in a horoscope, it might be helpful to know that personality trait tests – such as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator – are written in the same way.

Vague horoscopes

Take this horoscope, for example: “You are a creative person who enjoys new experiences and will be met with new opportunities to pursue this passion.”

This could apply to many individuals, regardless of their horoscope sign. Because people tend to see themselves in positive terms, they generally want to believe in the accuracy of these horoscopes. It’s easy to interpret this statement as a specific and accurate description of one’s personality.

Astrologers and practitioners of divination often use the Barnum Effect to make predictions applicable to just about anyone who comes their way. Skeptics argue that horoscopes are nothing more than entertainment and should not be taken seriously. (To be fair, most horoscopes come with precisely that warning.)

Despite the criticism, horoscopes remain popular with people of all ages. Many believe that their horoscope sign can provide insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with others. And lots of others see it as nothing more than harmless fun.

Horoscopes are not scientific. But they can still be a fun and entertaining way to explore the world of astrology. It’s just important not to put too much stock in their predictions and to remember that you’re in control of your destiny.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Barnum Effect: why we love astrology and personality tests” — Ness Labs

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WTF Fun Fact 13287 – The First Spacewalk

On March 18th, 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made history by becoming the first person to walk in space. Leonov left his spacecraft, the Voskhod 2, and floated in space for 12 minutes and 9 seconds. The first spacewalk paved the way for future space exploration and opened up new possibilities for scientific research in space.

The Soviets made the first spacewalk

The spacewalk was a remarkable achievement for the Soviet space program, which was in competition with the United States at the time to achieve milestones in space exploration. The mission was not without its challenges, however. Leonov’s space suit had inflated in the vacuum of space, making it difficult for him to move and causing him to experience overheating.

Despite these challenges, Leonov successfully completed his spacewalk and returned to the spacecraft, where he faced another problem. The spacecraft’s automatic landing system had failed, and Leonov and his crewmate had to manually steer the spacecraft to a safe landing.

Subsequent spacewalks

Since Leonov’s historic feat, many other astronauts and cosmonauts have followed in his footsteps (or rather, lack of footsteps). Here are some quirky facts about spacewalking:

  • The longest spacewalk in history was conducted by Russian cosmonauts in 2013. They spent 8 hours and 7 minutes outside the International Space Station.
  • Spacewalks are often referred to as “EVA,” which stands for “extravehicular activity.”
  • Spacewalkers wear special suits called Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs). These are designed to protect them from the extreme conditions of space.
  • During a spacewalk, astronauts and cosmonauts tether themselves to the spacecraft to prevent them from floating away into space.
  • The first American to conduct a spacewalk was Ed White in 1965, just a few months after Leonov’s historic walk.
  • In 1984, American astronaut Bruce McCandless made history. He became the first person to fly freely in space without being tethered to a spacecraft.
  • The first all-female spacewalk took place in 2019. Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir conducted a 7-hour walk to replace a failed power controller.

As space exploration continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more remarkable achievements in spacewalking. But Alexei Leonov’s historic spacewalk on March 18th, 1965 opened up a new world of possibilities for space exploration.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The First Spacewalk” — New Scientist

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WTF Fun Fact 13286 – U.S. St. Patrick’s Day Spending


The National Retail Federation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day survey (cited below) found that 148 million Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year, up from 139 million in 2022. This increase in celebrants is likely due to the continued rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and the easing of pandemic-related restrictions on gatherings and events.

St. Patrick’s Day spending hits an all-time high

Consumers plan to spend a total of $6.9 billion, or an average of $43.84 per person. That’s over $1 billion more than last year.

The NRF’s survey also found that the largest portion of St. Patrick’s Day spending will go towards food and beverages, with the average person planning to spend $35.37 on items like green beer, Irish whiskey, and traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage.

Americans are getting their Irish on via clothing and decorations too. 23% of survey respondents planned to buy green-themed clothing and accessories like hats, t-shirts, and socks. 14% planned to purchase home decorations like shamrock-themed tablecloths, napkins, and placemats.

The NRF notes this record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day spending is good news for retailers and businesses. Many of these have struggled over the past two years due to the pandemic.

With the holiday falling on a Friday in 2023, many Americans will continue to celebrate throughout the weekend. This will provide even more opportunities for spending on food, drinks, and festivities.

The NRF also notes that this is an all-ages affair.

“Although younger consumers are still more likely to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than any other age group, celebration plans among those 35 and up are on the rise. As consumers start aging out of the 18- to 34-year-old category, they’re bringing their enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day with them to the next stage in their lives. Maybe their favorite color is green, maybe they really like corned beef hash, but whatever it is, they keep coming back for more St. Patrick’s Day.”

Of course, the pandemic is not over yet, and St. Paddy’s celebrations may still be impacted by COVID-19. But with vaccines becoming more widely available, celebrations will probably be more robust this year.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How consumers are celebrating a record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day” — National Retail Federation

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WTF Fun Fact 13284 – The Invention of Balloons

The invention of balloons goes back over 1000 years. But modern balloons didn’t come about until the 19th century.

The first balloons were made from animal bladders. People would use the bladders of animals – such as pigs, cows, and goats – to create primitive balloons for games or decor.

Ancient inflatables

The first recorded use of animal bladder balloons was in ancient China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). It is said that the balloons were used by courtiers to play a game called “Lantern at Night” where they would try to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible using only their feet.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, animal bladder balloons were popular toys for children. They would often be filled with air and decorated with drawings or painted designs.

Animal bladder balloons were not only used for entertainment purposes, but also had practical applications. For example, in the 18th century, French doctors used pig bladder balloons to perform bladder surgeries.

In ancient Mesoamerica, animal bladder balloons were used for spiritual and religious purposes. They were a symbol of the “breath of life.”

As you might imagine, the durability of animal bladder balloons was very limited. These primitive balloons would often burst or deflate quickly. It wasn’t until the invention of rubber balloons that inflatables became more durable and could hold their shape for long periods of time.

The invention of modern balloons

In 1824, English scientist Michael Faraday discovered that he could use rubber to make a balloon that would retain its shape for longer periods.

This discovery paved the way for the balloons we use today. However, today’s balloons are typically made from materials like latex or Mylar. These are obviously longer-lasting materials than rubber or animal bladders.

Of course, balloons are now known to have many negative effects on the environment. When released into the air, they often end up in the water, where they harm marine life.

Additionally, standard balloons can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Despite these concerns, balloons continue to be a popular decoration for birthday parties and weddings to parades. In the near future, there are likely to be more biodegradable choices for balloon materials.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Balloons” — Science World

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WTF Fun Fact 13283 – The Color Red

The color red can make you feel hungrier and may even increase physical performance and attention to detail, making it a popular choice in restaurants, gyms, and academic settings.

The psychology of the color red

Color psychology is an interesting field. It explores how different colors can affect our mood, behavior, and perception without us really even noticing. It can even ramp up excitement levels.

As a warm color, red is also thought to stimulate our senses in a way that may increase our heart rate and even our blood pressure.

According to Scientific American (cited below):

“Some of the hue’s significance has a biological basis. Many humans get red in the face from increased blood flow when they are angry. A similar process activates a flush of embarrassment or a more flirtatious blush. Seeing red also triggers some surprising behaviors. For instance, drivers blocked in traffic by a red car react faster and more aggressively than drivers barred by vehicles of other colors.”

Red can evoke feelings of hunger and appetite. That’s why it’s often used in restaurants and food packaging. Studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they are surrounded by the color red.

Next time you drive around town, notice how many fast-food restaurants and other dining establishments use red in their logos and signage.

Red gets us moving – mentally and physically

In addition to its effects on appetite, the color red is also associated with physical performance and attention to detail. In fact, studies have shown that athletes who wear red uniforms or see the color red before a competition tend to perform better. They even have a higher chance of winning. This is because red can increase arousal and improve focus, which can be beneficial in athletic settings.

Similarly, the color red has been shown to improve performance in academic settings. Studies have found that students who are exposed to something red before an exam tend to perform better and have higher levels of concentration. That’s because red can increase attention to detail and improve memory retention.

Despite its many benefits, the color red can also have negative associations. We also tend to associate red with danger, warning signs, and stop signs. These can create feelings of stress and anxiety in some people.

In addition, some people tend to feel aggression and anger around this color. That’s why architects and designers often avoid using red in certain contexts, such as in hospitals and mental health facilities.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How the Color Red Influences Our Behavior” — Scientific American

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WTF Fun Fact 13279 – The First Oscars

The first Oscars ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. It lasted only 15 minutes, and there were only 270 guests in attendance. Tickets for the event cost $5 each, and the Academy had notified the winners three months prior to the ceremony.

The history of the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards Ceremony, also known as the Oscars, is an annual event that honors the best in the film industry. Today, it’s a grand gala that draws millions of viewers from around the world, but the first Academy Awards Ceremony was far less grand.

The idea for the Academy Awards was first proposed in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Mayer wanted to create an awards ceremony that would generate positive publicity for Hollywood. He approached several prominent figures in the industry, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille, to help him organize the event.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at a private dinner party in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Only 270 people were present, and the ceremony lasted only 15 minutes.

However, despite its modest beginnings, the first Oscars marked the birth of one of Hollywood’s great extravaganzas.

The first Oscars ceremony

The first Academy Awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements in filmmaking during the 1927-1928 season. The newly-formed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose the winners.

The winners were announced in a matter-of-fact way without the fanfare and spectacle of today’s ceremonies.

In fact, the winners had been notified ahead of time – 3 months earlier. However, the Academy asked them to keep the information a secret until the night of the event to add some suspense.

The ceremony was not broadcast on television or radio. There were 12 categories of awards at the first ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Story.

The winners of the first Oscars included:

  • Emil Jannings for Best Actor
  • Janet Gaynor for Best Actress
  • “Wings” for Best Picture

“Wings” was a silent film about World War I fighter pilots. Audiences and critics praised the film’s impressive aerial battle scenes for their realism. As a result, the film was a commercial and critical success. It even helped to establish Hollywood as the center of the film industry.

From the red carpet arrivals to the emotional acceptance speeches, the Oscars have become an integral part of popular culture. With each passing year, the ceremony becomes more innovative. To this day, the Academy adds new technology and creative ideas to make the event more entertaining.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The First Oscar Ceremony Lasted 15 Minutes. What Happened?” — The New York Times