Buzz
I must admit, my fascination with facts and factlets is endless. The more obscure they are, the more they intrigue me. This collection, the fourth in our factlet series, delves into another 20 lesser-known facts and myths. Feel free to share your own favorites in the comments to enrich the experience for all readers. This list draws partial inspiration from the Book of Myths & Misconceptions.
3. Factlets 1 to 5
1. The popular tune 'Chopsticks,' often played by children, was composed in 1877 by 16-year-old Euphemia Allan, who originally named it 'The Celebrated Chop Waltz.' A complete performance of the waltz can be viewed in the video clip here (without the added sound of chopstick clicks).
2. Before Barbie became a household name, there was Bild Lilli, a doll inspired by a risqué cartoon character. Initially marketed as an adult novelty for men, it caught the eye of Ruth Handler, who adapted the concept to create Barbie for children. Pictured above, Lilli's origins might have given her creators solid legal grounds to challenge Handler's adaptation.
3. Iron Eyes Cody, known for his role in the 'Keep America Beautiful' campaign, portrayed a Native American advocating for environmental care. Despite his convincing appearance in the advertisement, Cody was actually Espera DeCorti, the son of Italian immigrants, with no Native American heritage.
4. Contrary to popular belief, the Puritans were not opposed to alcohol. Historical records show that the Mayflower carried more beer than water on its voyage to America. Additionally, rum production quickly became a cornerstone of New England's economy post-settlement.
5. A common misconception is that ceasing exercise transforms muscle into fat—a biological impossibility. While muscles may atrophy from disuse, muscle cells do not convert into fat cells. This myth persists despite the clear distinction between these two types of tissue.
4. Factlets 16 to 20
16. It’s a common misconception that red and white wines are made exclusively from red and white grapes, respectively. In reality, some white wines, like white zinfandel, are produced using red grapes. The color of wine is determined by whether the grape skins are included during fermentation—white wines are made solely from the pulp.
17. The iconic image of bra-burning feminists is largely a myth. While the idea was discussed during 1960s protests, participants opted against it due to safety concerns, choosing instead to discard their bras into trash cans. The media sensationalized the concept of bra-burning, creating a lasting but inaccurate narrative. Many of those feminists now humorously lament the effects of gravity on their bodies.
18. Contrary to popular belief, many cats are fascinated by water, drawn to its movement and sound. The misconception that cats dislike water likely arises from its frequent use as a deterrent during their kittenhood, such as being sprayed with a hose or having water thrown at them to correct behavior.
19. While Einstein asserted that the speed of light is constant, this holds true only in a vacuum. In 2006, scientists observed light traveling faster than its standard speed when a laser pulse passed through an erbium-laced tube. Additionally, in 1999, Harvard researchers slowed light to just 38 mph by directing it through supercooled matter, challenging traditional notions of light’s behavior.
20. The copyright for 'Happy Birthday to You' is held by AOL Time Warner and will remain in effect until 2030. Due to this, filmmakers often substitute other songs for birthday scenes to avoid royalties. AOL Time Warner reportedly earns over $2 million annually from licensing fees for this iconic tune.
1. Factlets 11 to 15
11. Most hair care products, such as shampoo and conditioner, offer limited benefits since the hair we see is already dead. Healthy hair growth occurs beneath the skin's surface, and no external product can truly improve its health. These products can only enhance shine or color. For healthier hair, focus on hydration and a nutrient-rich diet.
12. While the Pyramids and Aztec temples are often cited as ancient structures, the oldest surviving man-made buildings are the Ġgantija Temples on Malta, constructed between 4100 and 2500 BC. These temples predate other famous ancient sites and remain standing today.
13. Lobsters lack vocal cords and pain receptors, so the 'screaming' sound heard when they are boiled alive is actually air escaping from their shells. Despite this scientific explanation, some governments have still imposed bans on this cooking method, showcasing what some consider excessive regulatory overreach.
14. The term 'double-jointed' is a misnomer; individuals with exceptional flexibility actually have a genetic condition known as hypermobility, which allows their joints to move beyond the typical range.
15. John Calvin once criticized the Catholic Church by claiming that if all fragments of the True Cross were gathered, they would fill an entire ship. This myth endures today. In 1870, all documented pieces of the True Cross, as recorded in 'Les Instrument de la Passion,' were tallied, revealing they amounted to only about 2% of the wood used in a typical cross from Jesus' era.
2. Factlets 6 to 10
6. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman, were just teenagers when they developed the iconic hero and sold him to DC Comics for a mere $130. They later regretted this decision and took legal action against the company. DC Comics settled out of court, granting them an annual pension of $20,000, adjusted for inflation, which eventually grew to over $100,000 per year.
7. During World War II, six Americans lost their lives on U.S. soil due to Japanese balloon bombs. While most of these bombs were intercepted or landed harmlessly, one detonated in Bly, Oregon, when a curious child attempted to retrieve it from a tree. The explosion tragically killed the girl, the minister’s wife, and four other children.
8. The romanticized notion of buried pirate treasure is largely a myth. Pirates, known for their short and perilous lives, typically spent their plunder quickly rather than burying it. As a result, treasure maps with 'X marks the spot' are almost certainly fictional creations.
9. It’s a common misconception that birds will abandon their chicks if humans touch them. The real concern is that children may handle the fragile creatures too roughly, potentially causing harm or stress to the young birds.
10. Sake, often mistaken for a rice wine, is technically a rice beer. Originating in China, it is crafted from rice, water, and yeast, which undergo fermentation to produce alcohol, much like the brewing process of beer.
