Weird

This is our weird but true facts category.  These may be a little odd and a little strange, but they are all most definitely true facts!  If you are looking for weird fun facts then start scrolling!

WTF Fun Fact 13448 – White Crustless Bread

Apparently, the best thing since sliced bread is white crustless bread.

Known as “mujipan,” or “crustless bread,” it has become a staple of Japanese kitchens, popular among both young and old. With its fluffy texture and mild flavor, it’s ideal for making sandwiches, toast, and various other dishes that the Japanese have ingeniously adapted to their cuisine.

Creating white crustless bread

The creation of crustless bread is not merely about slicing off the browned edges. Japanese bakers have perfected the technique of baking loaves where the crust is almost non-existent. This process involves using soft wheat flour, a lot of water, and a precise amount of yeast. The dough is then kneaded and left to rise multiple times before it’s finally baked at a lower temperature compared to traditional bread. The result is a soft, pillowy loaf with a very thin crust that is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the bread.

The crustless bread trend in Japan originated from the desire to create a perfect sandwich. In the Japanese context, sandwiches aren’t just a quick lunch option; they are an art form. The aesthetic appeal of the sandwich is as important as its taste. A sandwich made with crustless bread looks neat and elegant, the filling is the star, and nothing detracts from its visual appeal. This focus on visual presentation extends to all aspects of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to bento boxes.

Cutting off the flavor?

However, the popularity of crustless bread is not without its critics. Some bakers and food connoisseurs argue that the crust is where the flavor is. It’s the part of the bread that caramelizes during baking, creating a complex taste profile that the soft, white interior lacks. Yet, the demand continues to be strong, proving that its appeal goes beyond mere aesthetics.

Another interesting cultural aspect is the practicality of crustless bread. Japanese homes are often smaller with minimal storage space. The compact size of the loaves makes them easy to store. Additionally, they’re also more convenient for children and the elderly to eat.

In recent years, the trend has spread beyond Japan. Crustless bread is now available in various other countries, and the international market is growing. Its appeal lies in its convenience and its suitability for a variety of culinary applications, from breakfast toast to gourmet sandwiches.

Yet, despite its global reach, white crustless bread remains quintessentially Japanese. It encapsulates the Japanese approach to food, where taste, aesthetics, and practicality are all intimately connected. Like sushi, ramen, and matcha, this bread is a culinary innovation that reflects the culture from which it originated. In a world where cuisine is increasingly globalized, these unique cultural expressions provide a sense of connection to a particular place and way of life.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Company Develops Bread With White Crust to Decrease Food Waste” — Oddity Central

WTF Fun Fact 13446 – Danish AI Political Party

The Synthetic Party is a Danish AI political party led by an AI chatbot named Leader Lars.

How does an AI political party work?

Denmark’s political landscape is making an intriguing pivot towards artificial intelligence. Leader Lars was brought to life by artist collective Computer Lars and the non-profit art and tech organization MindFuture Foundation. Is this a new era in political representation?

The Synthetic Party, established in May 2022, aspires to represent the values of the 20% of Danes who do not vote. This AI chatbot is not just a figurehead. It’s equipped with policies drawn from Danish fringe parties since 1970. And its human members are committed to executing these AI-derived platforms.

Why involve an AI in politics?

The Synthetic Party seeks to represent data from all fringe parties striving for a parliamentary seat. It’s a novel concept that allows individual political visions, usually limited by financial and logistical constraints, to gain representation. The unique aspect of this political approach is the interaction between citizens and Leader Lars on Discord, a platform where people can speak directly to the AI. This feature fosters a unique form of democratic engagement.

The party’s AI-led political approach raises questions about the viability and accountability of machine learning in government. For instance, can an AI truly grasp and represent human needs and values? How do we hold an AI accountable for its decisions? The Synthetic Party’s response to these questions lies in the transparency and auditability of AI decision-making processes.

Party policy

The Synthetic Party’s policies are bold, to say the least. From establishing a universal basic income of 100,000 Danish kroner per month (equivalent to $13,700, and over double the Danish average salary) to creating a jointly-owned internet and IT sector within the government, the party seeks to innovate and challenge the status quo.

Crucially, the Synthetic Party is not about putting a chatbot in charge. Instead, it’s about exploring the democratic potential of AI and machine learning. The party sees AI as a tool to amplify and understand a wide range of opinions, even if those opinions sometimes contradict each other.

In addition to offering fresh political perspectives, the Synthetic Party aims to raise awareness about the role of AI in our lives and the importance of AI accountability. For example, it advocates for the addition of an 18th Sustainable Development Goal. This would focus on the relationship between humans and AI to the United Nations’ SDGs.

The Synthetic Party seeks to promote a more democratic, accountable, and transparent use of AI in politics. The party needs 20,000 signatures to run in the 2023 November general election. If it gets those, it could introduce a novel form of political representation in Denmark. It would be one that goes beyond a simple figurehead and instead uses AI as a tool for political change.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “This Danish Political Party Is Led by an AI” — VICE

WTF Fun Fact 13445 – The Shortlife Clock


Life is short – and the shortlife clock is here to remind you of that grim fact every morning. It was designed to make you question your perception of time and mortality – which is obviously the first thing you want to do when the alarm goes off. Right?

This fascinating gadget is the brainchild of artist Dries Depoorter. And it does add an extra layer of thought-provoking contemplation to the mundane act of timekeeping.

What exactly is the Shortlife Clock?

The Shortlife clock isn’t just your run-of-the-mill timekeeper. At first glance, it seems to be a standard digital clock. But wait, there’s a catch! This unique gadget counts down the estimated time left in your life, based on statistics from the World Health Organization. Talk about a reality check! The clock gives an entirely new perspective on the value of each second, minute, and hour.

How does it work? The clock requires the user to input their age and gender. Then, it uses this information, along with WHO data, to estimate the user’s life expectancy. The countdown starts ticking from that point forward, offering a thought-provoking and somewhat confronting reminder of our mortality.

With every tick, the Shortlife clock gently nudges you to seize the day. At the very least, you get a humbling reminder that time is a finite resource. So make the most of every moment!

A $180 reminder of your mortality

The clock isn’t just about morbid fascination. Or at least it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as a heartfelt call to action to appreciate the time you have.

Though the Shortlife clock might seem a bit macabre to some, its concept has fascinated many. And it’s sparked some meaningful conversations about life, death, and how we choose to spend our time.

More than just a quirky gadget, it’s a tool for introspection. It can help you to reflect on how you spend your days. Or it can be a (subtle?) reminder to get on with life and make the most of the time you have left.

To some, the Shortlife clock serves as an invitation to live more intentionally, to appreciate the fleeting beauty of existence. To others, it serves as a conversation starter, a unique piece of decor that sparks curiosity and in-depth discussions about life and time.

The Shortlife clock’s popularity is a testament to its thought-provoking nature. It seems that people are drawn to the idea of visualizing the impermanence of life. The Shortlife clock caters to this interest, allowing people to confront their mortality in a tangible way.

So, if you’re in the mood for a little existential contemplation, or if you’re looking for a conversation starter that goes beyond the usual small talk, the Shortlife clock might just be what you need. After all, it’s not every day you come across a gadget that makes you contemplate life’s biggest questions. It is, however, $180.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Shortlife Click, V2” — Tindie

WTF Fun Fact 13442 – We Have More Bacterial Cells Than Human

The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. Weird, right?

The majority of the cells that constitute “you” are, in fact, not human. They are microscopic organisms that are hitching a ride, making a living off your body. It might sound like science fiction, but this is a confirmed scientific fact. The human body contains ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.

How can we contain more bacterial cells than human cells?

Now, before we allow our imagination to scare us into a frenzy, let’s unpack this a bit.

These bacterial cells, collectively known as the human microbiota, live mostly in harmony with our bodies. We provide them with a suitable habitat, and they return the favor by aiding in bodily functions like digestion and immune response. Our gut houses the vast majority of these organisms.

This raises some provocative questions: With our bodies being made up predominantly of non-human cells, what does that imply about our identity? What actually makes us human?

How are we fully human if we contain so many non-human cells?

Biologically speaking, being human is about more than just the number of cells. Human cells, while fewer in number, are much larger and more complex than bacterial cells. So, in terms of volume and genetic material, we are predominantly human.

But the philosophical implications are still fascinating to consider. We ten to link our human identity to our biological makeup. But the massive presence of non-human cells introduces an intriguing paradox.

Science has often categorized organisms based on their cellular composition. However, this fact might prompt us to reconsider such traditional boundaries. We need to acknowledge the complex symbiosis that constitutes our “self.” We are, in essence, a walking, talking microbiome.

Teamwork makes the dream work

These non-human inhabitants of our body have a far-reaching impact on our health and well-being. There’s a dynamic relationship between our human cells and these bacterial cells. When this relationship is in balance, we thrive. But when it’s out of whack, we may face health issues. This fact has driven researchers to explore the potential of microbiota in shaping future treatments for various diseases.

Yet, as we learn more about our microbial inhabitants, we also uncover deeper layers of what it means to be human. Are we individual entities, or are we, as some philosophers might argue, a “superorganism” made up of numerous symbiotic relationships?

Indeed, we might be more ‘alien’ than we ever imagined, yet this very fact underscores our extraordinary complexity as living beings.

So next time you glance at your reflection, remember: You’re not just looking at ‘you.’ You’re seeing an intricate ecosystem.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body” — National Institutes of Health

WTF Fun Fact 13434 – Tanzania’s Lake Natron

Tanzania’s Lake Natron is not your average lake. Imagine a vast shimmering pink and red body of water so caustic that it burns your skin and eyes. It’s rumored to turn animals into stone (though that’s not quite true). I’s both beautiful and creepy.

Lake Natron’s eerie characteristics

Lake Natron, nestled in the Great Rift Valley, is a salt lake. It gets its name from natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and around 17% sodium bicarbonate. Add in some salt and mineral impurities, and you have a lake with a pH as high as 10.5. That’s incredibly alkaline.

With these numbers, you might think nothing could survive here. But you’d be wrong. Three species of fish, Alcolapia alcalica, Alcolapia latilabris, and Alcolapia ndalalani, call this caustic lake home. These hardy creatures adapted to Lake Natron’s harsh conditions and live quite happily in its waters.

The myth of Lake Natron

In stark contrast to its resident fishes, the lake has been accused of turning birds and other animals into statues. You heard that right – stone statues. But before you jump to a petrifying conclusion, let’s debunk that myth.

Photographer Nick Brandt published a series of hauntingly beautiful images of calcified animals along Lake Natron’s shores, triggering rumors that its water could turn creatures to stone. But the reality is less fantastical and more scientific.

The animals, likely dead before they touched Natron’s waters, were preserved by its alkalinity. Similar to how ancient Egyptians used natron to mummify bodies, the lake’s water can preserve and give a stony appearance to those unfortunate creatures that end up in its depths. But instant petrification? That’s a myth.

However, that doesn’t mean Lake Natron is all welcoming. With temperatures that can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s inhospitable for many species. Touching the water could cause burns, especially to the eyes and skin of unadapted animals and humans. So while it’s not turning beings to stone, it’s not exactly a friendly dip.

Flamingo’s love it!

Yet, despite its harshness, Lake Natron is the chosen breeding ground for more than 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos. The lake’s extreme conditions keep the flamingos safe from predators, while the algae thriving in the salty water serve as a rich food source.

The juxtaposition between Lake Natron’s beauty and harshness is stark. For this reason, it it’s a magnet for both tourists and scientists alike. Its eeriness, the ghostly images of life arrested in time, is a fascinating aspect of its lure. But there’s more to this lake than meets the eye.

Lake Natron is an excellent reminder of how nature is full of surprises and adaptations. Its unique ecosystem underscores the balance between life and death, showcasing how even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way to not just survive, but thrive.

The truth about Lake Natron is far more interesting than myths.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Lake Natron: Deadly to Most Life, but the Flamingos Love It” — Explorer’s Web

WTF Fun Fact 13430 – Japan’s Sauna Bus

Japan’s sauna bus (or saubus) is intriguing people around the world (and making more than a few wonder “why?!”)

Who wants to ride in a sauna bus?

A new cultural trend in Japan has emerged from the fusion of public transportation and traditional wellness practices. A retired public bus in Japan, creatively redesigned, now roams the streets as a fully functional, mobile sauna.

The old “sabus,” as it’s called, isn’t just a manifestation of Japanese ingenuity; it represents a revolution in urban relaxation.

A unique wellness journey

Designed by architecture firm Raumplan, this refurbished bus serves as a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and a celebration of the Japanese ritual of bathing. The exterior boasts the familiar green hue that once signaled the bus’s transportation role. The inside transports people into a realm of steamy warmth and tranquility.

The transformation from a public transportation vehicle to a wellness sanctuary is nothing short of mesmerizing. The bus seats have been replaced with a compact sauna, an anteroom, and an open deck.

The sauna, clad in aromatic Japanese hinoki cypress wood, can accommodate up to six people. Its large window offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, allowing bathers to enjoy scenic landscapes while they steam.

Venturing further inside, you find the anteroom. A relaxation space with wooden benches, this area is designed for post-sauna cool downs and socializing. Finally, the bus’s rear hosts an open deck, equipped with a shower for bathers to rinse off and freshen up.

Why a mobile sauna?

The creators envisioned the saubus as a way to connect communities and promote traditional Japanese wellness practices. By repurposing a public bus, they’re able to bring the sauna experience to various locations, from scenic lakeside spots to bustling city streets, making wellness accessible and enjoyable for all.

Beyond its functionality, the sauna bus serves as a symbol of sustainability and creative repurposing. It stands as proof that, with a bit of imagination, we can transform everyday objects into something extraordinary.

Through this project, Raumplan and its collaborators have redefined what a bus and a sauna can be, creating a new experience that is quintessentially Japanese yet universally appealing. The sauna bus isn’t just a place to relax and unwind; it’s a communal space that brings people together wherever it goes.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “INTRODUCING THE ‘SABUS’ MOBILE SAUNA” — designboom

WTF Fun Fact 13421 – Sheep Walking in Circles

Do you ever feel like you’re going around in circles? Well, for a group of sheep in Inner Mongolia (in northern China), it’s the truth – the case of the sheep walking in circles has intrigued the whole world.

Why are sheep walking in circles in China?

The flock of sheep has been making headlines and leaving observers utterly baffled. Imagine this: over 400 fluffy creatures spending a dozen days walking in circles, around the clock, for no apparent reason.

You can see for yourself in a Tweet from late 2022 that shows the eerie action:

It all started when unsuspecting farm owner Ms Miao noticed a few members of her flock of 445 sheep acting peculiar. Rather than the usual meandering, the sheep kept moving in a uniform, nonstop circle. It became even more perplexing as the rest of the sheep joined in.

This seemingly synchronized movement lasted for an incredible 12 days!

So, what on earth was going on?

Internet theories bounced back and forth from the absurd to the scientific. Some whispered about extraterrestrial influences. Others suggested the sheep were performing a ritualistic dance or following a leader stuck in a rut. Some more grounded thinkers proposed the possibility of a viral infection causing neurological symptoms, leading the sheep to walk in a circle. Yet, no one could point out a definitive answer.

Local authorities and veterinarians jumped into action, trying to unravel the mystery of the circular march. They examined the sheep, searching for any signs of disease or infections. The result? No physical health issues. It was as if the sheep were merely marching to the beat of their own drum, oblivious to the stir they were causing.

Meanwhile, the spectacle continued to bewitch spectators and intrigued academics around the globe. Experts in animal behavior from different universities began investigating the phenomenon. They poured over the footage, studying each sheep’s motion, their interactions, and their formation’s intricacy.

Unraveling the mystery of the sheep circle

Eventually, animal experts stepped in to explain that the sheep were merely following their instinctual herd behavior. Sheep are flock animals, and they follow their leaders. If the leader walks in a circle, the others will follow, creating a perpetuating cycle until something disrupts it.

The experts’ opinion might not be as exciting as alien communication, but it was certainly more plausible. In this case, the most likely scenario was that the leading sheep started walking in a circle, maybe due to a physical ailment, and the rest merely followed, each sheep dutifully following the one in front. This theory, while not confirmed, put an end to some of the more far-fetched theories.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Mystery of Sheep Walking in Circle in China for 12 Days Potentially Solved” — Newsweek

WTF Fun Fact 13420 – Combat Juggling

We’ve certainly hurt ourselves by accident while trying to juggle, but that’s not the same as combat juggling. This unorthodox game is swinging its way into the heart of the sports world with a bizarre mix of athletics, skill, and showmanship.

What is combat juggling?

Juggling, in its humblest form, is a street art, performed at carnivals and circuses. But bring it to the arena of competitive sports, and it turns into a wild, adrenaline-pumping showdown known as Combat Juggling. The aim? Hold your ground, keep your balls in the air, and knock out your opponent’s juggling pattern. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s the essence of this exhilarating sport.

Picture this: skilled athletes in a gladiatorial match, maintaining their juggling rhythm while trying to disrupt their opponents. It’s a riveting spectacle, combining finesse, quick reflexes, and relentless attack – ingredients that make sports fans sit on the edge of their seats.

Who came up with this unique sport?

Combat Juggling’s origin traces back to the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) Championships. Its growing popularity can’t be ignored, and it’s gradually creeping onto sports networks, entrancing audiences with its unique charm (and the fact that it even exists).

Mastering juggling is prerequisite number one. But then throw in the element of combat, and you’ve got a whole new ball game. The athletes – or should we say warriors – take the stage with five juggling clubs each. The battle begins with the sound of the whistle, and the athletes swing into action.

Then comes the disruption. The aim isn’t just to keep your clubs spinning in the air; it’s about making sure your opponent’s clubs hit the ground. That’s where the combat comes in.

Where’s the combat?

It’s juggling meets dodgeball. The last person standing, juggling clubs intact, wins.

The competitors range from professional jugglers to sports enthusiasts looking to step out of their comfort zones. And the best part? Anyone can participate. Gender, age, background – none of it matters. All you need is a set of juggling clubs, a knack for disruption, and a hearty dose of competitive spirit.

The first World Juggling Federation’s Major League Combat event was held in 2010. Since then, Combat Juggling has exploded into the public consciousness, drawing both seasoned jugglers and curious newcomers. Its popularity has even spawned a dedicated fanbase, and the sport has become a mainstay at juggling festivals across the globe.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Combat Juggling is the next best sports craze to sweep the nation” — Medium

WTF Fun Fact 13418 – Developing a Peppa Pig British Accent

It turns out some American kids who binge-watch a popular British cartoon are developing a Peppa Pig British accent. As children watch this series, they may start naturally mimicking the characters’ distinct British accents. This has been coined as the “Peppa Effect.”

The Peppa Effect

The Peppa Effect has captured the fascination of parents and linguists alike. As children immerse themselves in the world of Peppa Pig, they absorb the language patterns and pronunciation of the characters. This leads to subtle changes in their speech. While it may seem peculiar, it is a testament to the power of media influence on young minds – for better or worse.

The simplicity and repetition of the show’s dialogue play a significant role in shaping children’s speech patterns. Peppa Pig features clear enunciation, catchy phrases, and a playful rhythm that captivates young viewers. It’s basically teaching them to speak.

Observing the Peppa Pig British accent

While the Peppa Effect may seem like a fleeting phase, it provides a fascinating insight into the malleability of children’s language acquisition. Research has long highlighted the role of media in shaping children’s linguistic development. Peppa Pig’s impact serves as a vivid illustration of this phenomenon. As children imitate the characters they adore, they engage in a form of natural language learning. This helps expand their repertoire of speech patterns and accents.

It’s important to note that the Peppa Effect is not limited to American kids. Similar trends have been observed in other parts of the world where Peppa Pig has gained popularity. Children in Australia, Canada, and even non-English-speaking countries have exhibited subtle shifts in their speech due to exposure to Peppa Pig.

It’s important to note that the Peppa Effect is a temporary and harmless influence on children’s speech. Language experts emphasize that it is a natural part of language development, where children explore and experiment with different accents and speech patterns as they navigate their linguistic development.

As children grow older, their speech patterns will naturally evolve and align with their cultural context.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “American Kids Are Talking Like Brits Again Because of Peppa Pig and the Pandemic” — Mental Floss