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Tag: things you didn't know

  • WTF Fun Fact 13710 – Sebastianism

    WTF Fun Fact 13710 – Sebastianism

    Have you ever heard of Sebastianism?

    Sebastian’s Legend

    In the heart of Portugal, a legend persists about a young king who vanished in battle, igniting a flame of hope that has never died. This legend, known as Sebastianism, revolves around King Sebastian, who ascended the throne in 1557.

    Despite his brief reign, his impact was monumental, culminating in the disastrous Battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578. Against advice, Sebastian led an ill-fated crusade into Morocco, where he and much of Portugal’s nobility were lost. Yet, it was his mysterious disappearance that birthed a myth enduring centuries.

    The Essence of Sebastianism

    Sebastianism is more than a tale of a lost king. It’s a messianic belief intertwining national identity, faith, and the yearning for a savior. According to believers, King Sebastian would return in Portugal’s darkest hour, emerging from the fog to reclaim his throne and restore Portugal to its former glory.

    This belief symbolizes a deep-rooted hope for resurgence and salvation, reflecting the collective psyche of a nation navigating the trials of time.

    Beyond the Myth

    The essence of Sebastianism goes beyond longing for a monarch’s return. It reflects a collective consciousness, a coping mechanism for a nation facing decline. This sentiment echoed through the centuries, reemerging during times of hardship, symbolizing hope and the undying spirit of the Portuguese people.

    Sebastianism in Modern Times

    Today, Sebastianism transcends its historical roots, influencing literature, art, and political discourse. It serves as a metaphor for the eternal wait for redemption, inspiring works that delve into themes of loss, expectation, and rebirth. The legend of King Sebastian remains a testament to the enduring power of myth in shaping national identity and consciousness.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “From Military Defeat to Immortality: The Birth of Sebastianism” — The Luzo-Brazilian Review (via JSTOR)

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13707 – The Biro

    WTF Fun Fact 13707 – The Biro

    Why do some people call ballpoint pens a biro?

    The ballpoint pen was introduced in 1945, by a man named László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist. In 1945, his simple yet revolutionary writing instrument was introduced to the world.

    This innovation dramatically transformed the act of writing, making it more accessible and practical than ever before.

    Rise of the biro

    Biró found fountain pens impractical, so he sought an alternative. His quest was also inspired by the quick-drying ink used in newspapers.

    Partnering with his brother György, Bíró embarked on refining the ballpoint pen to use a paste-like ink that didn’t evaporate, mitigating the common frustrations associated with fountain pens. Bíró created a pen that revolutionized writing by introducing a rolling ball mechanism that evenly distributed ink as it moved across the paper.

    Despite its initial luxury status, the pen’s practicality soon became undeniable. Its ability to write on various surfaces without leaking or smudging was a significant advancement over traditional ink and quill or fountain pens.

    Global adoption

    The Biro’s journey was not without its challenges. Navigating through financial difficulties, patent disputes, and wartime turmoil, Bíró’s invention found a lifeline in Argentina. Later, the British Ministries of Supply and Aircraft Production recognized the Biro’s utility for RAF pilots, propelling it into mass production. The post-war period saw further innovations, with entrepreneurs like Marcel Bich refining the design to manufacture the Bic Cristal, an affordable and ubiquitous model that cemented the ballpoint pen’s place in society.

    Despite initial challenges, including fleeing war-torn Europe for Argentina, Bíró’s invention gained recognition for its practicality. The British Royal Air Force saw the pen’s potential. They ordered thousands for their pilots, who needed reliable writing instruments at high altitudes. This marked the beginning of the Biro pen’s global journey.

    That’s why the name “Biro” is more than just a brand; it’s an homage to the inventor himself. In many parts of the world, the term “Biro” is synonymous with “ballpoint pen.” This is a testament to László Bíró’s lasting impact. The pen’s name varies globally, reflecting its widespread adoption and the universal need it addressed. In English-speaking countries, particularly the UK, the pen is often called a “Biro” in recognition of its creator’s ingenuity.

    Transforming Writing Practices

    The Biro’s simplicity belies the complexity of its impact. This shift facilitated a more dynamic and accessible form of communication, democratizing writing across different strata of society.

    The story of Biro’s influence on writing practices invites us to appreciate the seemingly mundane objects that harbor rich histories.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “The Biro, the invention that changed the writing game” — New Atlas

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13679 – Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

    WTF Fun Fact 13679 – Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

    There’s a way of turning peanut butter into diamonds. Yep – your go-to sandwich spread can actually be turned into one of the most coveted gemstones on Earth.

    So, why isn’t everyone making diamonds in their kitchen?

    The Science of Sparkle

    At the heart of this astonishing fact is the basic science of how diamonds are formed. Diamonds are made of carbon, arranged in a crystal structure under extreme heat and pressure. This process typically occurs naturally over billions of years, deep within the Earth’s mantle. This is where conditions are just right for carbon atoms to bond in a way that creates diamonds.

    Peanut butter, believe it or not, is also rich in carbon. When subjected to intense pressures and temperatures similar to those found deep within the Earth, the carbon within peanut butter can theoretically rearrange into diamond structures. Scientists achieve this through a process called high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis. This uses specialized equipment to mimic the extreme conditions necessary for diamond formation.

    Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

    Before you start eyeing your jar of peanut butter as a potential gold mine, it’s crucial to understand that creating diamonds from peanut butter is not a simple or efficient process. The transformation requires sophisticated machinery capable of generating pressures over a million times the atmospheric pressure at Earth’s surface, along with temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius (about 3,632 degrees Fahrenheit).

    The process starts by placing a source of carbon—in this case, peanut butter—into the core of a press designed specifically for HPHT synthesis. The peanut butter is then subjected to these extreme conditions, where the carbon atoms begin to break down and reassemble into the crystalline structure of a diamond.

    Why Peanut Butter?

    You might wonder, with many sources of carbon available, why choose peanut butter? The answer lies partly in the novelty and the proof of concept. Scientists have experimented with various carbon sources. They’ve tried to demonstrate the versatility of the HPHT process and its ability to create diamonds from unexpected materials.

    Peanut butter, as a common household item rich in carbon, is just one fascinating example. It’s amazing how ordinary elements can be transformed into extraordinary substances under the right conditions.

    Moreover, the process highlights the fundamental principle that diamonds are, at their core, just a form of carbon. Whether derived from the depths of the Earth, a lab, or a jar of peanut butter, the end product is a testament to the remarkable adaptability and transformational capabilities of carbon atoms.

    Good Luck Turning Peanut Butter into Diamonds

    Turning peanut butter into diamonds is more of a scientific curiosity than a practical diamond-producing method. It does offer a glimpse into the future possibilities of synthetic diamond production. As technology advances, the ability to create diamonds from various carbon sources could have implications for industries ranging from jewelry to manufacturing to technology.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Geophysicists Are Turning Peanut Butter Into Diamond Gemstones” — Popular Science

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13677 – A Day on Venus

    WTF Fun Fact 13677 – A Day on Venus

    A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus. Yes, you read that right. But before your brain does a somersault trying to wrap itself around this fact, let’s break it down into bite-sized chunks.

    A Long Day on Venus

    First off, let’s talk about planetary rotation. A rotation is how long it takes for a planet to spin once around its axis. For Earth, that’s what gives us a 24-hour day. Venus, on the other hand, takes its sweet time. It rotates once every 243 Earth days.

    That’s right. If you were standing on Venus (ignoring the fact that you’d be crushed, suffocated, and cooked), you’d experience sunlight for about 116.75 Earth days before switching to an equal length of pitch-black night. That’s one slow spin, making its day extraordinarily long.

    Orbiting on the Fast Track: Venus’s Year

    Now, flip the script and consider how long it takes Venus to orbit the Sun, which is what we call a year. Venus zips around the Sun in just about 225 Earth days. This is where things get really interesting. Venus’s year (its orbit around the Sun) is shorter than its day (one complete rotation on its axis).

    Imagine celebrating your birthday and then waiting just a bit longer to witness a single sunrise and sunset.

    The Why Behind the Sky: Understanding the Peculiar Pace

    So, why does Venus have such an unusual relationship with time? It all comes down to its rotation direction and speed. It’s is a bit of a rebel in our solar system; it rotates clockwise, while most planets, including Earth, rotate counterclockwise. This is known as retrograde rotation.

    Scientists have a few theories about why Venus rotates so slowly and in the opposite direction. One popular theory is that a massive collision early in the planet’s history could have flipped its rotation or altered it significantly. Another theory suggests gravitational interactions with the Sun and other planets over billions of years have gradually changed its rotation speed and direction.

    Regardless of the cause, Venus’s leisurely pace and quirky orbit give it the unique distinction of having days longer than its years. This fact not only makes Venus an interesting topic of study for astronomers but also serves as a fascinating reminder of the diversity and complexity of planetary systems.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Interesting facts about Venus” — Royal Museums Greenwich

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13676 – We Can’t Burp in Space

    WTF Fun Fact 13676 – We Can’t Burp in Space

    People can’t burp in space.

    Now, you might wonder, why on Earth (or rather, off Earth) can’t astronauts do something as simple as burping? It boils down to gravity, or the lack thereof.

    Why We Can’t Burp in Space

    Here on Earth, gravity does a lot of work for us without us even noticing. When you eat or drink, gravity helps separate the liquid and gas in your stomach. The solids and liquids stay at the bottom, while the gas, being lighter, floats to the top. When there’s enough gas, your body naturally expels it as a burp. Simple, right?

    But, take gravity out of the equation, and things get a bit more complicated. In space, there’s no up or down like here on Earth. This means that in an astronaut’s stomach, gas doesn’t rise above the liquid and solid. Instead, everything floats around in a mixed-up blob.

    If an astronaut tries to burp, they’re not just going to expel the gas. No, they might bring up some of the liquid and solid matter too. Not exactly pleasant, and definitely something you’d want to avoid.

    NASA Burp Training

    NASA, being aware of this, actually trains astronauts on how to eat and drink in a way that minimizes the chances of needing to burp. They choose foods that are less likely to produce gas. Also, space food is designed to reduce crumbs and loose particles, which can be a nuisance in microgravity. Even with these precautions, though, the human body can still produce gas, thanks to the digestion process.

    So, what happens to all that gas if it can’t come out as a burp? Well, it has to go somewhere. The body adapts in interesting ways. The gas might get absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the lungs. Or it might travel through the digestive tract and leave the body as flatulence. Yes, astronauts can still fart in space, which, without gravity to direct the flow, might be a bit more… interesting.

    This isn’t just a quirky fact about space travel; it has real implications for astronaut health and comfort. Gas build-up can cause discomfort, bloating, and even pain. In the confined, zero-gravity environment of a spacecraft, managing these bodily functions becomes crucial for maintaining the well-being and harmony of the crew.

    Bodies in Space

    It’s funny to think about, but this no-burp scenario highlights a broader point about space travel. Living in space requires us to relearn and adapt basic bodily functions. Everything from sleeping to eating to going to the bathroom is different up there. Astronauts undergo extensive training to prepare for these challenges, learning how to live in a world without gravity’s guiding hand.

    In the grand scheme of things, the inability to burp is just one small part of the vast array of adjustments humans must make to thrive in space. It serves as a reminder of how finely tuned our bodies are to life on Earth, and how much we take for granted the invisible forces that shape our everyday experiences.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Ask an Explainer” — Smithsonian Institution

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13671 – Thai Gastrodiplomacy

    WTF Fun Fact 13671 – Thai Gastrodiplomacy


    Beyond tantalizing palettes, Thailand’s food culture serves a strategic role in international relations, known as gastrodiplomacy. This initiative leverages culinary heritage to promote Thailand’s cultural and political interests worldwide. It’s a soft power approach, fostering goodwill and understanding through shared culinary experiences.

    Introduction to Thai Gastrodiplomacy

    Thai cuisine has long captivated global taste buds with its bold flavors and intricate preparations. However, beyond tantalizing palettes, Thailand’s food culture serves a strategic role in international relations, known as gastrodiplomacy. This initiative leverages culinary heritage to promote Thailand’s cultural and political interests worldwide. It’s a soft power approach, fostering goodwill and understanding through shared culinary experiences.

    The Roots of Thai Gastrodiplomacy

    Gastrodiplomacy in Thailand took formal shape in the early 2000s with the launch of the ‘Global Thai’ program. This government initiative aimed to increase the number of Thai restaurants worldwide, enhancing Thailand’s cultural presence globally. The philosophy was simple yet profound: by experiencing Thai cuisine, people worldwide could engage with Thai culture, fostering positive perceptions of the country.

    The Thai government actively supported entrepreneurs and chefs to open Thai restaurants abroad. They provided culinary training, shared authentic Thai recipes, and sometimes even assisted financially. This support wasn’t just about promoting Thai food; it was about maintaining its authenticity, ensuring that the food served abroad genuinely reflected Thailand’s culinary traditions.

    This approach proved successful. Thai restaurants, known for their distinct flavors and aesthetics, became culinary hotspots in major cities worldwide. From the spicy Tom Yum Goong to the sweet and sour Pad Thai, these dishes became not just meals but ambassadors of Thai culture and history.

    Cultural Exchange and Soft Power

    Gastrodiplomacy transcends mere food promotion; it’s a tool for cultural exchange. Cooking classes, food festivals, and culinary competitions have become platforms for cultural interaction, bridging gaps between Thailand and the world. They offer a taste of Thai life and traditions, creating a sense of connection and mutual respect.

    Thai gastrodiplomacy also enhances soft power. By spreading awareness of its cuisine, Thailand shapes global perceptions, positioning itself as a culturally rich and innovative nation. This perception can translate into increased tourism, foreign investment, and a stronger position in global affairs.

    Challenges and Adaptations

    Despite its success, Thai gastrodiplomacy faces challenges. Ensuring the authenticity of Thai cuisine abroad is a continual struggle, particularly in places where specific ingredients are hard to find. Adaptation without loss of essence is key.

    Moreover, the rise of global health consciousness has led to a shift in culinary preferences. Thai gastrodiplomacy has adapted by promoting the health benefits of traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, highlighting the balance and nutritional value of Thai food.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “You Think You Understand Thai Culture Because You Eat at Thai Restaurants? Think Again” — Food & Wine





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