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  • WTF Fun Fact 13740 – The Vatican Regulates the Divine

    WTF Fun Fact 13740 – The Vatican Regulates the Divine

    The Vatican introduced a new set of guidelines aimed at scrutinizing claims of supernatural phenomena more rigorously. From weeping statues to miraculous healings, the Catholic Church is setting the bar high for what passes as a divine occurrence.

    The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, responsible for promoting and safeguarding doctrine, has crafted these rules. They replace the older guidelines from 1978, marking a significant update in how the Church handles these mysterious claims.

    A Call for Rigor and Rationality at the Vatican

    At a media briefing last Friday, the Vatican made its stance clear: supernatural claims must undergo a thorough investigation to prevent fraud and exploitation. The Church aims to protect its credibility and unity, steering clear of scandals that could tarnish its image.

    In an era where viral news can spread falsehoods in an instant, the guidelines stress the importance of careful validation. Reports of supernatural events have surged, propelled by the rapid spread of information online. The new protocol includes issuing a “nihil obstat,” meaning “no obstacle,” for unverified but harmless claims, allowing worship without formal recognition of the supernatural.

    The Vatican’s Verdicts

    Under the updated rules, bishops can make one of six decisions regarding supernatural claims. These range from outright rejection to prohibiting the worship associated with certain phenomena. To ensure consistency, bishops must seek approval from the Vatican before going public with any supernatural endorsements, with the Pope stepping in for exceptional cases.

    This rigorous approach is not about stifling faith but about safeguarding it from the distortions of modern myth-making. The Vatican recognizes the powerful draw of pilgrimage sites, like Lourdes in France and Fatima in Portugal, where millions visit annually, drawn by tales of Marian apparitions and miracles recognized by the Church decades ago.

    The Challenge of Modern Miracles

    Not all supernatural claims make the cut. Take the 2016 incident in Italy, where a woman claimed regular visions of Jesus and Mary. It took eight years for the Church to investigate and dismiss the claims, which included contentious messages on social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion. This case underscores the challenges the Church faces in distinguishing genuine spiritual phenomena from well-crafted hoaxes.

    The new guidelines aim to streamline this process, ensuring that any claim of a heavenly apparition or miraculous event receives the scrutiny it deserves before being accepted or rejected.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Vatican tightens rules on supernatural phenomena” — BBC News

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13733 – Flame-Throwing Robot Dog

    WTF Fun Fact 13733 – Flame-Throwing Robot Dog


    Throwflame, an Ohio-based company, has introduced Thermonator, a flame-throwing robot dog now available for $9,420. What a steal.

    This fiery beast combines a quadruped robot with an ARC flamethrower, creating the world’s first flamethrower-wielding robot dog. If you’ve ever wanted a pet that can roast marshmallows from 30 feet away, Thermonator is here to fulfill that oddly specific dream!

    Fueled by gasoline or napalm, Thermonator can blast fire up to 30 feet, making it perfect for impressing your neighbors – or terrifying them. It also features a one-hour battery, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can control this fiery pup via your smartphone.

    Thermonator even has a Lidar sensor for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and first-person-view navigation through an onboard camera. It uses a version of the Unitree Go2 robot quadruped, which alone costs $1,600.

    Meet Thermonator: The $10,000 Flame-Throwing Robot Dog

    Thermonator’s flamethrowing skills open up a range of potential uses. Throwflame suggests applications like wildfire control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and entertainment and special effects. Essentially, if it involves setting things on fire, Thermonator is your go-to gadget.

    For wildfire control, Thermonator could help create controlled burns to prevent larger wildfires. In agriculture, it might assist in clearing fields or giving pesky weeds a hot farewell. Its use in ecological conservation could involve controlled burning to manage vegetation.

    Ok, sure.

    In snowy climates, it could serve as the world’s hottest snow blower. For entertainment, it’s a pyrotechnic dream come true, perfect for dramatic effects in films or epic backyard barbecues. And we have the feeling that if you need your flamethrower in the form of a dog, you’re probably using it for some type of entertainmen.

    A Dystopian Moment?

    While they sound like a device straight out of a dystopian sci-fi movie, flamethrowers, including Thermonator, are legal in 48 U.S. states. They aren’t classified as firearms by federal agencies, though they fall under general product liability and criminal laws.

    Specific restrictions exist in Maryland, where a Federal Firearms License is required, and in California, where the flame range cannot exceed 10 feet.

    Even with its legality, flamethrowers are not exactly toys. They can easily start fires, cause property damage, and harm people. So, if you decide to get one, handle it with care. Thermonator’s advanced features, like obstacle avoidance and first-person navigation, aim to enhance safety, but users must still exercise caution. In other words, don’t try to light your birthday candles with it.

    A Nod to Flamethrower History

    Thermonator joins the ranks of other notable flame-throwing devices, such as Elon Musk’s Boring Company flamethrower. Back in 2018, Musk’s flamethrower sold 10,000 units in just 48 hours, causing quite a stir due to its potential risks.

    Unlike traditional flamethrowers, Thermonator combines the latest in robotics with pyrotechnics, offering a high-tech twist on fire-wielding gadgets. See for yourself:

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “You can now buy a flame-throwing robot dog for under $10,000” — Ars Technica

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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 13665 – US Time Zones

    WTF Fun Fact 13665 – US Time Zones

    In the early days of American history, the concept of time was not as unified as it is today. With over a hundred separate time zones, the United States’ approach to timekeeping was a complex and often confusing system. This fascinating period in the nation’s history reveals much about the evolution of time standardization and its impact on society and commerce.

    The Era of Numerous Time Zones

    Before the adoption of standardized time zones, the United States operated on a surprisingly intricate system of over 144 separate time zones. Each city or town was free to determine its own local time, usually based on the position of the sun. This meant that when it was noon in one town, it could be 12:15 in a neighboring city just a few miles away.

    This system was manageable when communities were isolated, but as the country expanded and the railway system connected distant cities, the multitude of local times became problematic. Train schedules were particularly affected, as rail companies struggled to create timetables that made sense across various local times.

    The Push for Standardization of Time Zones

    The turning point came with the advent of the railroad industry. The need for standardized time became evident as train travel made the flaws of multiple local times apparent. Railroads operated on their own time systems, creating a confusing and sometimes dangerous situation for travelers and operators alike.

    The solution emerged in the form of four main time zones proposed by the railroad companies. On November 18, 1883, known as “The Day of Two Noons,” railroads across the country synchronized their clocks to these new standard time zones. This was not an official law but rather a practice adopted by the railroads and the communities they served.

    Government Intervention and the Standard Time Act

    It wasn’t until March 19, 1918, that the United States government officially adopted the standard time zone system with the Standard Time Act. This act also established daylight saving time, a contentious and ongoing debate to this day. The act was a response to the confusion and inefficiency of having multiple time standards and was also influenced by the needs of World War I.

    The transition was not immediate or smooth. People were accustomed to their local times and resisted change. However, over time, the benefits of a standardized system became clear, especially for scheduling trains, conducting business, and broadcasting.

    The Impact of Standardization

    The move to a standardized time system revolutionized many aspects of American life. It facilitated better communication and coordination across the country, essential for a growing nation. Economic activities, especially those related to transportation and communication, became more efficient and reliable.

    Moreover, the concept of time zones influenced the world. Today, time zones are an integral part of global coordination, affecting everything from international flights to the stock market.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Snoozers Are, In Fact, Losers” — The New Yorker

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13603 – The Fight Over Taco Tuesday

    WTF Fun Fact 13603 – The Fight Over Taco Tuesday

    Taco Bell enthusiasts across the U.S. have a reason to cheer: “Taco Tuesday” is now free for everyone to use in all 50 states, thanks to the fast food chain’s relentless legal battle.

    Taco Bell’s Battle for the Beloved Term ‘Taco Tuesday’

    The ubiquitous phrase might seem like a universal term. Still, until recently, legal restrictions prevented its widespread use. Taco Bell, believing that the phrase was too ingrained in popular culture to be trademarked, took action earlier this year. They sought to challenge two trademark regulations that limited the term’s use. The chain’s legal initiative wasn’t just for their benefit but aimed at ensuring that taco lovers everywhere could use and celebrate the term without hesitation.

    Taco John’s, another prominent fast-food chain, had the trademark rights for “Taco Tuesday” in 49 states. But they folded to Taco Bell’s legal pressure, letting go of their trademark. Yet, there was still one last holdout – New Jersey.

    New Jersey’s Tuesday Turmoil

    The credit for “Taco Tuesday” in the Garden State goes to Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, situated in Somers Point. They held onto their 1982 trademark for the phrase until this very week. But as they say, all good things come to those who wait.

    Taco Bell’s patience paid off when the New Jersey restaurant decided to relinquish its rights, sealing Taco Bell’s victory across the nation. Their triumph allows everyone, from businesses to residents, to embrace the joy of “Taco Tuesday” without legal constraints.

    Sean Tresvant, Taco Bell’s Chief Global Brand and Strategy Officer (and soon-to-be CEO), expressed the brand’s enthusiasm in a news release. He emphasized the company’s commitment to making “Taco Tuesday” accessible for everyone, whether they’re making, selling, or simply enjoying tacos.

    In light of their legal win, the chain anticipates ushering in a new age for eateries throughout the U.S. The freedom to promote and relish “Taco Tuesday” now extends to all, from big chains like Taco John’s and Taco Bell to local taco joints.

    Gregory’s Graceful Concession

    But what about the man behind the trademark in New Jersey? Gregory Gregory, co-owner of Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, held exclusive rights to the phrase for over three decades. However, he recently chose to step back, acknowledging the widespread love for “Taco Tuesday” that extended beyond his establishment.

    In his statement, he shared his pride and excitement about the phrase’s history at his restaurant. And while the trademark might be gone, Gregory ensures that the delicious spirit of Tuesdays will remain a forever feature at his eatery.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “The Phrase ‘Taco Tuesday’ Can Now Be Used in All 50 States” — Food Network

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