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WTF Fun Fact 13499 – No Private Beaches in Maui

Unlike some beach destinations around the world where private ownership can restrict public access, there are no private beaches in Maui. The Hawaiian island maintains a refreshing and inclusive stance, ensuring all beaches are public. But why does Maui champion this?

A Glimpse into Hawaiian Tradition

Hawaii’s connection with the ocean runs deep. Historically, Hawaiians lived harmoniously with the land and sea. The beach wasn’t just a leisure spot; it was a source of food, a gathering place, and a spiritual haven. With the aloha spirit deeply entrenched, the idea of restricting beach access is antithetical to traditional Hawaiian values.

The State of Hawaii codified this ethos in its Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH) laws. These ensure that every beach, regardless of adjacent private property ownership, allows public access.

For Maui, this means locals and visitors alike can relish every sunset, every wave, and every grain of sand on the island’s shores. Beaches aren’t commodities to be owned; they’re treasures to be shared.

The Challenges of Ensuring There Are No Private Beaches in Maui

While this open access policy fosters community spirit and inclusivity, it’s not without challenges.

Landowners adjacent to beaches, sometimes high-profile individuals seeking privacy, must navigate the delicate balance between personal boundaries and public rights. Moreover, ensuring pathways to these beaches remain accessible also demands attention, with occasional tensions between landowners and beachgoers.

Preservation Over Privatization

Maui’s stance, while unique, is not a mere legislative quirk. It reflects a deeper commitment to preservation over privatization. The island’s culture, deeply rooted in respect for the land, clashes with the idea of roping off nature for a privileged few.

By keeping beaches public, Maui not only offers a physical space for all to enjoy but also fosters a spirit of shared responsibility. The beach becomes everyone’s kuleana, or responsibility, to cherish and protect.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Are All Maui Beaches Public?” — Action Tour Guide

WTF Fun Fact 13472 – Failed Atlanta Nail Salon Hold-up

A failed Atlanta nail salon hold-up in July 2023 had the Internet in stitches as they watched security footage of a man leaving empty-handed. Doesn’t this guy know you should never ask a woman to reach in her purse after she gets her nails done?!

In an event as peculiar as it sounds, an attempted robbery at a nail salon in Atlanta, Georgia, didn’t go as planned. The would-be robber was practically ignored by the customers and staff he intended to intimidate.

A Robbery Like No Other

The incident happened at the Nail First salon in Atlanta – and surveillance cameras caught it all. The footage revealed a bizarre chain of events that one might find more fitting for a sitcom than a real-life crime scene.

As the video shows, a man stormed into the salon yelling, “Everybody get down! Give me your money! Give me your money!” He held a bag in his hand, pointing it threateningly at the people inside, implying he was armed with a weapon.

However, in a twist of events, customers met his commands with an astounding level of indifference. Customers remained seated, barely looking up from their salon treatments. Some even continued with their conversations, seemingly unfazed by the apparent threat. It was as if an invisible barrier of apathy had been erected around the salon. It made the robber’s demands fall on deaf ears.

One woman, seemingly unsure of how to react, slowly stood up, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. As she walked out the door, the intruder snatched her phone. This, however, seemed to be the extent of his “success.”

His initial confidence waned as the bewildered robber found himself in a situation he likely hadn’t anticipated. No one was screaming, panicking, or handing over their belongings. It was a stark contrast to the dramatic scene he had likely imagined in his head.

Atlanta Nail Salon Apathy Wins

In the face of this unexpected and nonchalant response, customers left the would-be criminal with little choice but to give up. Dejected and empty-handed, he fled the scene, leaving behind a room full of unimpressed customers and an unforgettable surveillance tape.

The Atlanta Police Department’s Robbery Unit has since taken over the investigation. They have requested assistance from the public to identify the suspect. “Witnesses indicated the suspect entered the location wearing a blue hat, sunglasses, and blue jeans,” said Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. The suspect reportedly fled the scene in a silver-colored sedan.

Luckily, the intruder didn’t physically harm anyone during the incident. However the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such situations and how victims may respond. In this case, indifference, a seemingly passive response, was enough to dissuade the criminal from continuing his ill-intended act.

It’s a tale that salon owners and customers alike will tell at Nail First salon for years to come – if they even bother to remember it. It’s a tale of an attempted robbery that the group thwarted not by force but by an almost comedic display of apathy.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Robber attempts to hold up Atlanta nail salon, leaves after being ignored” — Fox News

WTF Fun Fact 13462 – Air Dropped Wolves

It’s a bird; it’s a plane – wait, it’s a helicopyer designed to accommodate air dropped wolves?!

In the vast wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, located on an island in the US Great Lakes, an unusual air-drop operation unfolded. Four Canadian wolves, transported via helicopter from their native Ontario, found themselves in new, unfamiliar territory, their mission as unique as their journey: to tackle the park’s burgeoning moose population and aid the dwindling local wolf count.

A Unique Environmental Challenge

Covering 894 square miles, Isle Royale has been grappling with an ecological imbalance. Historically, the park’s wolf population naturally kept the moose numbers in check. But the wolf count has been dwindling, leading to a surge in the moose population. This growth has put increased pressure on the island’s vegetation, threatening to destabilize the park’s ecosystem.

Adding to the challenge, in the past two decades, the formation of ice bridges – which once connected Isle Royale to the mainland – has become less frequent and less stable due to climate change. These bridges provided a pathway for new wolves to migrate to the island. Their absence left Isle Royale’s two remaining wolves effectively marooned, and prevented fresh wolf blood from bolstering the population.

The Air Dropped Wolves Solution

To rectify the situation, park authorities took an unprecedented step. Four Canadian wolves, adept at hunting moose in cold climates, were trapped in Ontario and transported via helicopter to Isle Royale. It is hoped these new additions, along with two wolves introduced in 2018, will reduce the moose population and replenish the local wolf count. Over the next five years, the National Park Service plans to bring a total of 20 to 30 wolves to the park.

The task was not without its complexities. The chosen wolves had to be neither too young nor too old, with good dental health to ensure their hunting prowess. “You don’t get to choose the wolf you trap. It could be old, young, or injured when captured,” explains John Vucetich, an ecologist leading the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale project. This project is the longest-running study of any predator-prey system globally.

The Aftermath of Air Dropping Wolves

Once on Isle Royale, the newly-arrived wolves faced a disorienting situation. Accustomed to family packs, they found themselves in unfamiliar territory, with strangers instead of pack-mates. The initial period was likely filled with tension and uncertainty as the wolves adapted to their new surroundings and learned to find food.

But the efforts are not without risks. Relocation can be perilous for these creatures, as seen when a female wolf died last fall due to sedation complications during transport.

The Road Ahead

Despite these challenges, the ongoing project underscores a significant shift in human attitudes towards wolves. Once widely distributed, wolf populations declined significantly due to human activity. Today, attitudes have changed. “Our attitudes have changed enough to decide definitively that we want to live with wolves. But we haven’t decided how to live with wolves,” says Vucetich.

Through initiatives like the Isle Royale wolf reintroduction, we’re taking steps towards that co-existence. It’s a journey that mirrors the wolves’ own: fraught with challenges but driven by a clear, necessary goal.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “‘We want to live with them’: wolves airdropped into US to tackle moose problem” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13456 – Old Coronation Chocolate

Who wants some Cadbury coronation chocolate? Ok, what if it’s 121 years old? Less appealing?

Coronation chocolate provides a taste of history

A piece of confectionery history is up for grabs as a 121-year-old tin of Cadbury chocolates heads to auction. These untouched sweets were crafted to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s coronation in 1902 was a monumental event, and Cadbury marked this royal milestone with a special batch of chocolates.

In a remarkable tale of preservation, the chocolates have remained untouched for over a century. The vanilla chocolates were a special gift to nine-year-old Mary Ann Blackmore, given to her at school during the year of the coronation. Rather than indulging in them, Mary Ann opted to keep the sweets as a keepsake of this historic event.

A sweet souvenir

Blackmore passed the prized chocolates down through her family over the years. Her granddaughter, Jean Thompson, aged 72, is the current custodian of this unique piece of heritage. She recently brought the tin to Hansons Auctioneers in Derby, setting the stage for the chocolates’ debut at auction.

Morven Fairlie, a representative of Hansons Auctioneers, highlighted the significance of this special gift. In the era the chocolates were made, children seldom had the chance to enjoy such treats. It’s easy to understand why Blackmore chose to treasure the chocolates rather than eat them.

The forthcoming auction at Hansons Auctioneers promises to attract bidders with a keen interest in royal memorabilia, history, and confectionery. Hanson’s estimates the tin of coronation chocolate will fetch between £100 and £150, but the final price could well exceed expectations if multiple bidders vie for this taste of history.

While the chocolates still emit a faint aroma of their original vanilla flavor, they are far beyond their use-by date. As Fairlie humorously added, “Nobody’s going to be eating it… but I wouldn’t want to risk it.”

— WTF fun facts

Source: “121-year-old Cadbury coronation chocolates to be sold at auction” — Sky News

WTF Fun Fact 13454 – Dumpling Flavored Soda

If you love dumplings, would you try a dumpling-flavored soda? We might. Or at least, we might have before reading about it.

Gyoza soda – Japan’s dumpling flavored soda monstrosity

Japan, a land of diverse flavors, occasionally throws up concoctions that can baffle even the most adventurous taste buds. And let’s just say they weren’t the only ones to “throw up” this particular culinary adventure.

One recent innovation in the Japanese beverage world was the dumpling (or gyoza)-flavored soda. This quirky drink has sparked intrigue, excitement, and disgust in equal measure.

This controversial drink was developed by Nagai Garden. And to be fair, it was marketed as “Gyoza cider.” It aimed to replicate the flavors of gyoza, a type of Japanese dumpling filled with meat and vegetables.

So it’s a carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage intended to encapsulate the salty, savory experience of a gyoza dumpling.

A flavor rollercoaster

The soda is reportedly a mix of sweet and savory tastes. First impressions are of a typical sweet soda, but the taste then turns into a confusing blend of savory gyoza flavors, ending with a garlicky aftertaste. The drink’s light yellow color gives no hint of the sensory rollercoaster it unleashes.

The reviews, to put it mildly, have been mixed. Online testimonials range from amusement to outright disgust, with some individuals expressing that the soda made them feel nauseated.

A general consensus is that the dumpling-flavored soda might be Japan’s worst-tasting soft drink. But in a world of flavor enthusiasts, the soda has its fair share of admirers, with some people appreciating its distinctiveness.

This unusual soda is a reflection of Japan’s ‘dare-to-drink’ culture. Japan’s beverage market is known for its wild array of flavors, often aiming to surprise or shock consumers. This culture has previously given us beverages such as salty watermelon Pepsi.

Novelty or Nasty?

While the drink is definitely unique, it’s up for debate whether it’s a novelty or simply nasty. For those who adore gyoza and are open to unusual flavor combinations, the dumpling soda could be an interesting exploration. However, for individuals with less adventurous palates, it’s probably a hard pass.

At the very least, the peculiar concoction has captured global attention, creating a buzz on social media and discussion forums. It’s a testament to the adage, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Dumpling-Flavored Soda – Probably Japan’s Worst-Tasting Soft Drink” — Oddity Central

WTF Fun Fact 13404 – A Bus Trip to London


Do you want to take a long bus trip to London? How does a 60-day trip sound? Adventures Overland, an Indian road trip company, has come up with a unique experience for travel enthusiasts. It’s a bus route from Iran to London. The journey winds through Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and France before arriving in London.

Taking the long bus trip to London

The concept for this epic road trip started a few years back, and it was supposed to begin in India! Due to unforeseen circumstances such as travel restrictions in Myanmar and China and the Russia-Ukraine War, the company had to devise an alternative route. Their solution was to ship their vehicles to Iran and embark on a new journey. This one traverses diverse destinations across Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Scandinavia, and Western Europe.

The appeal of the “Road to London” trip lies partly in the landscapes encountered along the way. These include the deserts of Iran to the icy landscapes of Norway. Participants will also see historic landmarks, untamed wilderness, bustling cities, majestic peaks, and architectural masterpieces.

More than a bus ride

For those interested in joining the journey, the itinerary is packed with activities and experiences. It’s not just 60 days of sitting on a bus.

Participants can take boat rides, treks, hot air balloon rides, cruises, and immersive city tours. The trip offers something for everyone whether you’re traveling with friends, family, as a couple, or solo.

The “Road to London” expedition sets off from Bandar Abbas, Iran, a vibrant port city in the Hormozgān Province. Participants will receive their vehicles here and embark on an exploration of the ancient wonders of Persia. Highlights include visits to the city of Shiraz and the historic city of Isfahan, to see Persepolis.

See Europe in a unique way

Turkey presents the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia and the vibrant city of Istanbul. Then, the convoy crosses borders, entering Bulgaria via Greece and making its way to Sofia, Bulgaria. The road then leads to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.

The expedition continues its exploration of Eastern Europe, with captivating stops in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, presents a blend of sophistication, architectural grandeur, and rejuvenating thermal springs. Krakow, Poland, offers a humbling visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Warsaw, the capital of Poland, unveils its contemporary architecture and vibrant spirit.

As the journey progresses, the convoy crosses borders once again, entering Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—the captivating Baltic trio. The expedition culminates in Tallinn, Estonia, with its exquisitely preserved examples of medieval architecture.

Northern European landscapes

The adventure takes an exciting turn as participants board a ferry, embarking on a short cruise across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, Finland. The Nordic culture and picturesque landscapes of Finland await exploration, including the enchanting Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. The convoy then journeys to Norway, venturing into the Arctic Circle and marveling at the awe-inspiring Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point accessible by road. Then it’s on to Tromsø, known for its mesmerizing Aurora Borealis displays.

Norway’s scenic beauty also includes stops in Fauske, Trondheim, and Ålesund. The adventure concludes in Bergen, where participants will immerse themselves in the beautiful fjord landscapes.

The expedition’s final leg traverses Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France before reaching the United Kingdom. Along the way, participants will explore the vibrant cities of Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Paris.

Ready for the bus trip to London?

Adventures Overland’s bus trip from Iran to London encapsulates the essence of an extraordinary road trip. As geopolitical events necessitated a change in the route, this reimagined adventure promises to be an unparalleled experience!

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Road to London” — Adventures Overland

WTF Fun Fact 13403 – The Resurgence of Cassette Tapes

The recent resurgence of cassette tapes among music fans has come as a surprise to many. In fact, sales of cassette tapes have reached a level not seen in two decades, according to research conducted by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). While cassette sales still trail behind vinyl records in overall numbers, their popularity has been steadily rising for the last decade.

Why cassette tapes?

There are a few driving forces behind this surge in cassette tape sales. Some of it can be attributed to the recent releases of notable acts like Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles, and Florence + the Machine. These artists have embraced the format, and their latest offerings have propelled cassette sales to new heights. In fact, the BPI reports that all twenty of last year’s top-selling cassettes were released in 2022. So, music enthusiasts are not only embracing the nostalgia of vintage cassettes but also seeking out new releases in this format.

The allure of cassette tapes among younger music fans seems to lie in their appeal as collectible items. Mark Burgess, the founder of Flashback Records in north London, observed a significant uptick in cassette sales following the pandemic. He told NME (cited below) that the smaller size of cassettes makes them easier to collect. This gives enthusiasts an opportunity to curate a personal music library. And many fans appreciate the sequential nature of cassette albums, allowing them to experience the music as the artist originally intended.

Vinyl revival

The resurgence of cassettes follows a similar trajectory to the vinyl revival that took place a few years ago. In 2022, vinyl sales surpassed CD sales for the first time in 35 years. Clearly, many people prefer physical music formats (or at least want the option). Paul Williams, a spokesperson for the BPI, drew parallels between the vinyl market’s resurgence and cassette popularity.

The renewed interest in physical music formats also gives artists the opportunity to establish a deeper connection with their fans. Releasing music on cassettes allows artists to create something tangible. It gives fans a tactile connection to the music.

The contemporary fascination with nostalgia across popular culture may play a role in the cassette’s revival. People are increasingly drawn to revisiting old TV shows, films, and music, seeking comfort and familiarity in the past. The cassette tape evokes a sense of nostalgia and adds to the overall sensory experience.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Cassette tape sales at 20-year high” — NME

WTF Fun Fact 13394 – The First Ever YouTube Video

The world’s first YouTube video, titled “Me at the zoo,” was uploaded on April 23, 2005, by Jawed Karim, one of the co-founders of YouTube. It has since garnered millions of views.

However, for a brief moment, a YouTube glitch managed to deceive viewers into believing there was an undiscovered video predating this iconic clip.

What’s the controversy around the first-ever YouTube video?

On January 26, 2023, a video titled “Welcome to YouTube!!!” emerged. It claimed to be the true first-ever YouTube upload. The clip, uploaded on a channel called “enn,” displayed an image of the old YouTube logo on a blue background. It made references to the YouTube co-founders and had an early 2000s aesthetic, so it appeared convincing at first glance.

Luckily, eagle-eyed viewers quickly noticed inconsistencies that cast doubt on the video’s authenticity. For starters, the upload date showed as “Premiered,” which was unusual considering the video claimed to be from 2005.

Additionally, a disabled premiere video live chat was visible, a feature that didn’t exist until 2018. Further investigation revealed other features that weren’t part of the original platform.

To catch a prankster

Of course, people take their Internet history pretty seriously. Some viewers even delved into the source code of the watch page. That’s when they found that the metadata revealed the video was actually uploaded on January 23, 2023. That debunked any notion that a long-lost piece of internet history had been discovered.

Once the truth came to light, a spokesperson acknowledged the glitch that allowed the upload date to be manipulated. They also confirmed that the oldest video on YouTube would always be “Me at the Zoo.” YouTube reassured viewers that this iconic video, uploaded on April 23, 2005, by one of the platform’s co-founders, marked the true beginning of YouTube’s journey.

Despite being caught, the user behind the “enn” channel continued their antics by uploading additional videos, including one titled “premiere bug 01,” falsely claiming to have been published 53 years ago.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “YouTube glitch used to trick users into believing there was an undiscovered oldest video” — Mashable

WTF Fun Fact 13388 – Ancient Olympics vs. Modern Olympics

The ancient Olympics ran ten times longer than the modern Olympics. The Games were held at least 293 times from 776 BC to 393 AD. That means the ancient version had a consecutive run of 1,169 years vs. the modern Olympics, which began in 1896.

Olympic origins

The ancient Olympics, originating in ancient Greece, were deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. They were held in honor of the Greek god Zeus and took place in the sacred city of Olympia. The games were a testament to the physical prowess and competitive spirit of the ancient Greek civilization. Participants from various city-states would gather to showcase their athletic abilities and engage in friendly competition.

The ancient Olympics were much different from their modern counterpart in terms of events, rules, and significance. The ancient games featured a limited number of sports disciplines, primarily focused on athletics, combat sports, and equestrian events. The most prestigious event was the stadion race, a sprint of approximately 200 meters. Other events included wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and the pentathlon, which consisted of running, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling.

The ancient Olympics held a unique place in the hearts and minds of ancient Greeks. They served as a unifying force, bringing together people from various regions and fostering a sense of shared identity.

The games were not merely a display of athletic prowess but were deeply intertwined with religious rituals and cultural celebrations. The Olympic truce, known as the ekecheiria, ensured a cessation of hostilities during the games, allowing safe passage for athletes and spectators alike.

Ancient Olympics vs. the modern Olympics

As the centuries passed, the ancient Olympics faced various challenges and disruptions. The rise of the Roman Empire and subsequent spread of Christianity gradually diminished the significance of the games. Emperor Theodosius I, in 393 AD, officially banned the Olympics, considering them a pagan practice. The ancient Olympics came to an end, leaving behind a rich legacy and a symbol of human achievement.

In contrast, the modern Olympic Games started up in the late 19th century. Organizers were driven by a vision to promote international unity through sports. The inaugural modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece, in 1896, with athletes from 14 nations participating in nine sports disciplines.

Since then, the modern Olympics have grown exponentially. But the longevity of the ancient Olympics, with their uninterrupted run for over a millennium, stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports and human endeavor.

While the modern Olympics have not yet matched the remarkable duration of their ancient counterpart, they have evolved into a global celebration of athletic excellence, cultural exchange, and unity among nations.

When comparing the ancient Olympics vs. modern Olympics’ running time, the old record is going to be hard to beat. — WTF fun facts

Source: “Ancient Olympic Games” — World History Encyclopedia