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Paloma Chavez is a reporter covering real-time news on the West Coast. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.
Tag: funny
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WTF Fun Fact 13750 – Tollund Man
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Have you heard of Tollund Man, the ancient man who caused a 1950s woman to call the police?
Imagine a family cutting peat in a Danish bog and stumbling upon what they believe is a recent murder victim. This isn’t the plot of a Scandinavian noir but a real event that unfolded in May 1950, when the Højgaard family made a chilling discovery that turned out to be a window into ancient rituals.
A Grisly Discovery in the Peat Bog
It all began on a typical day in the bog near the tiny community of Tollund, Denmark. While working, Grethe Højgaard suspected something unusual hidden in the peat. Ignoring the initial skepticism from her family, she dug through the mud until her fingers brushed against something unexpectedly human. It was the well-preserved remains of a man. This discovery prompted an immediate call to the police, under the grim assumption that they had unearthed a murder victim.
Upon their arrival, the police quickly surmised that this was no ordinary crime scene. The body was well-preserved, with facial features and stubble still visible, suggesting a historical rather than a contemporary origin. This ancient man would soon become “Tollund Man.” But this was not just another cold case. He was a peek into the Iron Age, dressed only in a cap and a belt. A leather noose still wrapped around his neck.
Tollund Man: Sacrifice or Punishment?
Investigators and archaeologists took over, transporting Tollund Man’s body to Copenhagen’s National Museum for further examination. It became clear that someone (or a group) had hanged him. But not from a crime of passion or retribution, but likely as a ritualistic sacrifice. The careful placement of his body in the bog, curled up and seemingly at peace, supported the theory of a ceremonial offering rather than an execution.
Tollund Man was not the only enigmatic figure to emerge from these Danish bogs. Just 12 years earlier, another bog body, dubbed the Elling Woman, was discovered nearby, also hanged. Her elaborate braids and sheepskin cape hinted at similar ritualistic undertones. These findings, coupled with a third body found in close proximity, suggested a tradition of ritual sacrifice during the Iron Age in this region.
The Science Behind the Preservation of Tollund Man
What makes these bogs remarkable archaeological sites is their ability to preserve human remains for millennia. The acidic water, low oxygen levels, and cool temperatures slow decomposition dramatically, allowing us to see into the past with astonishing clarity. The sphagnum moss plays a crucial role, creating a natural mummification process that leaves skin leathered but intact, and facial expressions eerily preserved.
The Last Days of Tollund Man
Detailed examinations provided more clues about Tollund Man’s final hours. His last meal was simple yet revealing—a porridge of barley and flax, suggesting a humble existence. The absence of violence, apart from the hanging itself and the arranged posture in death, further emphasized the likelihood of a sacrificial ritual rather than a punitive act.
The Bog’s Role Through the Ages
The bog that cradled Tollund Man for over 2,400 years is more than just a grave; it’s a historical archive. These wetlands were likely considered sacred by the local people, used for rituals that appealed to the gods during harsh winters or as thanksgiving when spring arrived. Simultaneously, these bogs served practical purposes, providing peat for fuel—a practice that persisted into modern times, as evidenced by the Højgaard family’s peat cutting.
Today, visitors to the Silkeborg Museum can gaze upon a reconstruction of Tollund Man, his original head attached to a carefully crafted replica of his body. This display continues to captivate and educate, providing a tangible connection to Denmark’s distant past.
Source: “There’s Something Strange Here” – Tollund Man, Grethe, and Death in a Danish Bog” — Psychopomp
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‘Show me your bad dog.’ TikTok trend has pet owners capturing hilarious mischief
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Pet owners are showing their “bad dog” in viral TikTok trend.
Screengrab from @Leidengualdron on TikTok.
Pet owners are showing their “bad dog” on TikTok, and the videos are priceless.
TiKToker @Dept_of_redundancy_dept asked followers to stitch the video showing their “bad dog” following a video that has garnered over 6.5 million views as of June 13.
@Dept_of_redundancy_dept said he didn’t want to see “good boys and good girls sitting for a cookie” but instead the “dog that bit your ankle.”
And TikTokers didn’t disappoint.
One TiKTok user named @Bigfatstupidrat showed “freaking Kevin” scale a cabinet in their kitchen to get to a bowl of food, the video that’s racked up over 16.8 million views as of June 13 showed.
Commenters rushed to let the poster know what they thought about the bull terrier’s “toe grip.”
“Him gripping the counter with no thumbs is insane,” one said.
“That’s honestly scary, imagine walking in on that,” another wrote.
User @Leidengualdron said she’s “never leaving the dishwater open again,” after capturing a video of her dog holding a knife in its mouth, the June 11 video showed.
Commentors came to the pup’s defense with one person saying, “He is a good boy, he’s just defending himself.”
“He has HAD IT,” another wrote on the video that’s garnered over 1.9 million views as of June 13.
“He’s innocent,” one person said.
Another user known as @Bayhaypartyof6 shared her golden retriever shredding their trampoline, according to the TikTok that’s garnered over 926,000 views as of June 13.
The dog can be seen ripping up the bottom of the trampoline before stopping to stare at the camera.
Commenters tried to comfort the poster by saying what their “bad dog” had done.
“We’re selling our house in 3 weeks and my dog decided the door to the garage really needed a dog door,” one wrote.
“If it makes you feel better, I had a dog that peeled back the siding of my mobile home like a sardine can…,” another said.
“My dog once chewed on my dad’s 550$ hearing aid,” one said.
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WTF Fun Fact 13748 – The Klondike Big Inch Land Co.
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Have you heard of the Klondike Big Inch Land Co.? It all goes back to oats and land deeds, naturally.
This story starts with a promotional stunt by Quaker Oats in the 1950s that turned into an unexpected collector’s item, worth more today than anyone could have guessed back when “Challenge of the Yukon” echoed in the living rooms across America.
Quaker Oats’ Land Rush Stunt
Back in 1954, in a promotional stunt tied to the radio show “Challenge of the Yukon,” Quaker Oats purchased 19.11 acres of land in the Yukon Territory, the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush region. They cleverly subdivided this acreage into 21 million tiny, one-square-inch plots. Each plot was represented by an official-looking deed. These were created by the Klondike Big Inch Land Co., a company Quaker Oats had established for this purpose.
These miniature deeds were placed inside boxes of Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice. The campaign was an instant hit. It captured the imaginations of Americans who were thrilled at the notion of owning a piece of the fabled Klondike. Some fans, myself included, collected hundreds of these deeds, aiming to amass a larger piece of the plot.
The Deeds of the Klondike Big Inch Land Co.
The deeds themselves were works of art: elegant green curlicues bordering cream-colored certificates. Each had a stamp with a unique certificate number and an official-looking red seal. An orange map detailed the location of each plot, adding a touch of authenticity and adventure. They promised ownership in a far-off land, albeit only a square inch.
However, the reality was less grand. Quaker Oats never intended these deeds to be legal titles to real estate. They didn’t include mineral rights, and the company didn’t register them. That would have been a logistical nightmare because of the number of deeds issued. Essentially, these deeds were novelties, albeit highly detailed ones.
Despite their questionable legal value, these deeds have become valuable collectibles. Pristine deeds can fetch between $25 and $45 each. This makes the stash of 72 deeds found by a reader potentially worth over $1,800. They represent a unique piece of promotional history, tying back to a time when radio shows were king, and cereal boxes could contain treasures.
The promotion ended, and in 1965, Quaker Oats dissolved the Klondike Big Inch Land Co. The land reverted back to Canada. PepsiCo absorbed Quaker Oats itself in PepsiCo in 2001, but the legend of the Klondike Big Inch lives on among collectors and enthusiasts.
Lessons from a Klondike Big Inch
This episode serves as a fascinating case study in marketing, novelty, and the human penchant for collecting. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding what one truly owns. For those holding these deeds, they own a piece of history, if not a piece of the land.
As a footnote, if you find yourself in possession of such curiosities, consider their historical and collectible value before dismissing them as mere novelties.
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WTF Fun Fact 13745 – Can Music Make Food Taste Better?
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Can music make your food taste better?
Imagine savoring a plate of spaghetti while Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” plays softly in the background. Now, could Vivaldi be doing more than just setting the mood? Could it actually make your spaghetti taste better?
Research and some intriguing culinary experiments suggest music might just be the unexpected seasoning we’ve overlooked.
Sonic Seasoning
It’s no secret that a good playlist can enhance a party or a workout, but recent studies show that what you listen to while eating can influence how you perceive flavors. This concept, known as “sonic seasoning,” explores how different sounds can complement or enhance the taste of food. For instance, high pitches might make desserts taste sweeter, while deeper tones could make your steak seem richer.
Back in 2010, a groundbreaking study at Oxford University mapped tastes to musical elements. Researchers found that sweet and sour tastes were often associated with higher pitches, while umami and bitter tastes matched lower ones. Not only that, but certain instruments seemed to evoke specific flavors—brass instruments brought out bitterness, whereas pianos highlighted sweetness.
Culinary Scores to Make Food Taste Better
The idea of combining music with eating isn’t new. Medieval banquets sometimes featured live music alongside feasts, enhancing the sensory experience of dining. Fast forward to the 20th century, the Italian Futurists infused their meals with both music and bizarre theatrics, like their “polyrhythmic salad,” which was eaten while music played from a box turned by a crank.
Even the zany minds behind The Muppet Christmas Carol joked about the notion of “singing food,” a nod to dishes that literally perform as you eat them. And while it sounds like a punchline from a Muppet, the concept has its roots in real historical dining practices where food and entertainment were often intertwined.
Do Beats Bring Out the Flavors?
To see if there’s truth to the science, some food companies are already experimenting with sonic pairings. Barilla, for instance, teamed up with composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer to create the “Al Bronzo Soundtrack Experience.” This is aimed at enhancing the dining experience of specific pasta dishes through tailored musical tracks.
Imagine this: you’re about to fork into some rigatoni. According to Barilla, if you’re listening to twinkling bells and vocal accents, it might just make the cherry tomatoes in your dish taste sweeter and the bacon smokier. It’s a bold claim but one that invites foodies and skeptics alike to put it to the test.
The link between sound and taste might also tie into synesthesia. This is where the stimulation of one sense leads to involuntary experiences in another. Some synesthetes report tasting flavors when they hear certain sounds—a phenomenon that could explain why sonic seasoning might work.
Could it be that we all have a touch of synesthesia that allows us to experience more flavorful meals through the right playlist?
Source: “Can Music Make Your Food Taste Better?” — Atlas Obscura
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WTF Fun Fact 13743 – Parachuting Beavers
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Nope – it’s not a juvenile joke – there really is a story about parachuting beavers. 76 of them, to be exact.
More than seven decades ago, Idaho found itself with a peculiar problem involving beavers too accustomed to urban life. These beavers, having become a nuisance in the growing residential areas, needed new homes. The solution? Parachute them into the wilderness. Yes, you read that correctly: parachuting beavers.
Elmo Heter: The Man with the Plan
Elmo Heter, an officer with Idaho Fish and Game, faced the challenge of relocating beavers from populated areas like McCall, near Payette Lake, to the remote Chamberlain Basin. His ingenious plan involved some old parachutes left over from World War II and a healthy dose of innovation.
Heter knew that transporting beavers by land was fraught with challenges. Horses and mules tended to get spooked by the critters, and driving them through rugged terrain was costly and complex. So, he looked to the skies for an answer.
Dropping Beavers by Plane
Heter devised a method using surplus military parachutes to air-drop beavers into their new wilderness homes. The first task was creating a safe container for the beavers. Initial attempts with woven willow boxes were scrapped when it became apparent that the beavers might chew their way out mid-flight or cause havoc on the plane.
Thus, Heter designed a wooden box that would open upon impact with the ground. To test this innovative container, he chose a plucky male beaver named Geronimo as his first test pilot. Geronimo endured multiple drops to ensure the safety and efficacy of this method.
The Pioneer Parachuting Beaver
Heter dropped Geronimo repeatedly to test the resilience of the box and the beaver’s tolerance. Remarkably, Geronimo adapted well to his role. After numerous trials, he seemed almost eager to get back into his box for another drop. Heter’s plan was proving viable, and soon, it was time to scale up.
Geronimo’s final test flight included a one-way ticket to the Chamberlain Basin, where he joined three female beavers, establishing a new colony in what would become a thriving ecosystem. This land is now part of the protected Frank Church Wilderness.
The Legacy of the Parachuting Beavers
In total, 76 beavers were air-dropped into the wilderness. All but one survived the journey, and they quickly set about doing what beavers do best: building dams and creating habitats that benefit the entire ecosystem. This area is now part of the largest protected roadless forest in the lower 48 states.
The operation, initially seen as a quirky solution, turned out to be a remarkable success, showing that sometimes unconventional problems require unconventional solutions. The savings in manpower and reduction in beaver mortality proved that sometimes, the sky really is the limit.
Why You Won’t See Parachuting Beavers Today
Despite its success, the days of parachuting beavers have passed. Nowadays, the approach to problematic beavers is more about coexistence and less about relocation. The pioneering days of the 1940s, when men like Elmo Heter looked to parachutes to solve ecological challenges, are long gone. Yet, the descendants of those aerial adventurers likely still live on in the Frank Church Wilderness, a testament to one of the most unusual wildlife management efforts ever undertaken.
So, next time you spot a beaver in Idaho, remember that it might just be the descendant of a brave pioneer who once took an unexpected flight into history.
Source: “Parachuting beavers into Idaho’s wilderness? Yes, it really happened” — Boise State Public Radio
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WTF Fun Fact 13738 – McCartney & Lennon’s “Primrose Hill”
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Last week, a new song titled “Primrose Hill” hit the music scene, causing quite a stir. It wasn’t just any release; this song came from James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon. That’s right, the sons of the legendary Lennon-McCartney duo from The Beatles have teamed up to create music.
James McCartney, the son of Paul McCartney, and Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon, have certainly inherited some formidable musical genes. The collaboration draws inevitable attention due to their famous last names. “Primrose Hill” delivers a dose of nostalgia, wrapped in a modern melody, that pays homage to their fathers’ iconic sound.
Like Father, Like Son?
James and Sean bear more than a passing resemblance to their fathers, which only adds to the allure. Sean, born in 1975, embarked on his musical journey in the 1990s. His career has been eclectic, collaborating with his mother, Yoko Ono, and various artists like Cibo Matto. His recent work, as per Rolling Stone, offers a “genreless wash of instrumental music.”
Two years younger, James McCartney began by contributing to his parents’ music projects in the late 1990s. However, his solo career didn’t start until the following decade. On Instagram, he revealed that “Primrose Hill” was inspired by a vivid childhood memory in Scotland. He describes the song as a journey to finding a significant other, wrapped in the warmth of a summer’s day.
Critical Reception and Family Support
Paul McCartney, proud of his son’s work, promoted “Primrose Hill” on his Facebook page, sending his best to Sean Ono Lennon. Despite the heavyweight last names, the song’s performance on Spotify was modest, with less than 40,000 listens in its first five days.
While it’s easy to be skeptical about children of celebrities leveraging their lineage, this collaboration feels different. “Primrose Hill” isn’t trying to shake the world; it’s more about connection and continuity. It stands as a tribute to a storied family history in music, reflecting the gentle spirit of James’s father, Paul.
Echoes of the Past on Primrose Hill
The collaboration between James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon is not just a musical novelty. It is a continuation of a legacy. While they navigate the giant shadows cast by their fathers, they also carve out their own niches in the music industry.
Their work begs the question: What does it mean to follow in such famous footsteps? For James and Sean, it seems to be about respect for the past but also making their own artistic statements. “Primrose Hill” serves as a bridge between generations, inviting listeners to appreciate the roots of its creation while enjoying the fresh fruits it bears.
Source: “A new Lennon-McCartney collab has dropped — but this time, it’s by the Beatles’ sons” — NPR
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