Diving Deep into Gen Z: 5 Unexpected Tidbits

Born between the mid-90s and early 2010s, Gen Z stands out as the most digitally savvy, ecologically alert, and multicultural generation to date.

Group of five young boys ands girls walking outdoors in city with their smart phones
Photo by depositphotos.com

Dive into these lesser-known facets of the tech-native age group:

1. Closed Captions, Open Minds: Think beyond mere volume adjustments or anxiety over missing out on dialogue. A significant chunk of both Millennials and Gen Z are amplifying their TV binges by consistently switching on subtitles. Whether for clearer understanding or individual liking, they catch every uttered syllable.

2. Naming the Next: Post-Gen Z, what do we label the upcoming generation? Logic suggests we roll with Generation Alpha, considering the Greek Alphabet trend after X, Y, and Z. Yet, the final call remains undecided. Whether they become known as Gen Alpha or perhaps a catchy Gen Tech, one certainty emerges: they’re on track to become the most prosperous, scholarly, and tech-ready age group we’ve seen.

3. Evolving Game Spectators: The echoing cheers in sports arenas might have fewer Gen Z voices contributing. In America, a mere 53% of this generation self-identify as sports enthusiasts, a contrast to the larger 63% adult average and the 69% representation by millennials. Even more strikingly, Gen Z is veering away from live sports broadcasts, with a rising number opting out of watching.

4. Rhythms of the Past: Hum a tune from legendary bands like The Beatles or even the Rolling Stones, and while older generations might hum along, many from Gen Z might give puzzled looks. Classic anthems spanning from the swinging 60s to the grungy 90s seem to be less echoed among this newer age group, signaling a generational musical transition.

5. Eco Pulse: Gen Z pulses with an acute awareness of our planet’s health. Both Millennials and Gen Z are vocal about the human-led contributors to climate distress, such as rampant deforestation, fossil fuel consumption, and industrial waste. Yet, there’s a knowledge chasm – a fraction grasp the environmental repercussions of our global meat-eating habits.

Snapshot Secrets: 5 Surprising Facts About Passport Photos

Passport photos capture our no-smile rule-abiding selves, specifically designed for identification as we traverse borders. However, there’s a plethora of quirky and fascinating tales hidden behind these seemingly straightforward photos. Dive in for five facts that’ll offer a fresh perspective on your next passport pic:

1. A Casual Affair: Venture back to the early 20th century, and passport photos painted an entirely different scene. Prior to the stringent 1920s regulations, these images resembled personal album snaps more than anything else. Whether it was individuals sporting their favorite hat, indulging in hobbies, or just snippets from larger group photos, the regulations were conspicuously lax. Often, photos recycled from other documents, possibly due to the exorbitant photography rates, made the cut.

This temporary American passport was issued to a family traveling to occupied Germany to visit their father, who was in the Air Force.
This temporary American passport was issued to a family traveling to occupied Germany to visit their father, who was in the Air Force.
Photo by Our Passports

2. Post-Op Passport Puzzles: For many Chinese tourists, South Korea beckons with the promise of superior yet affordable plastic surgery. However, the post-surgery elation can quickly turn into a dilemma. Their transformed visages often starkly contrast their passport photos, causing re-entry into China to become an unforeseen challenge.

3. McCartney’s Passport Perplexity: 1967 saw Paul McCartney in France, sans his passport, prepped for a music video shoot. Confronted by customs, he nonchalantly remarked, “You know who I am, so why do you need to see a photograph of me in a passport?” His iconic status ensured he breezed through without a hitch.

4. Double Trouble: Pondering passport protocols for conjoined twins? They are entitled to two distinct passports. Recognizing each twin’s individual identity mandates separate documentation, upholding the tenets of travel.

5. All Smiles? Think Again!: When prepping for that crucial passport photo, remember to tone down that gleaming smile. Believe it or not, the U.S. government classifies toothy grins as “unusual or unnatural expressions” for passport and visa photos. Smiling with teeth in passport photos is discouraged because facial recognition software at airports and border controls relies on consistent facial proportions to identify individuals. It requires a neutral facial expression, as smiling can alter the distances between facial features, making identification harder for biometric technology.

Tolkien Tales: 7 Lesser-Known Stories about the Mastermind of Middle-earth

The creator of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien, wasn’t just a master weaver of tales; he was also a man of great depth and integrity. His life, filled with unique anecdotes and profound choices, is as engaging as his novels.

Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, New Zealand - Front door of the hole, Hobbit house
Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, New Zealand – Front door of the hole, Hobbit house
Photo by depositphotos.com

Here’s a peek into seven lesser-known moments from Tolkien’s life.

1. A Brave Response to Dark Times: When the Nazis hinted at releasing “The Hobbit” in German, they asked Tolkien to verify his Aryan background. Tolkien’s reply was both insightful and defiant. He enlightened them about the Aryan origins and poignantly expressed his wish that he had roots in the Jewish community, effectively shutting down any racial biases.
“I am not of Aryan extraction: that is Indo-Iranian; as far as I am aware none of my ancestors spoke Hindustani, Persian, Gypsy, or any related dialects. But if I am to understand that you are enquiring whether I am of Jewish origin, I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people.”

2. A Unique Ashtray: Tolkien received an ornate goblet from an admirer, etched with the iconic “One Ring to Rule Them All…” in the black speech. Valuing the authenticity of the language, Tolkien decided against using it for drinking. Instead, it found its place as a holder for ash.

3. Birth of a Classic: While marking student papers, a blank page caught Tolkien’s eye. It was on this empty sheet that he penned the simple yet evocative line: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit,” giving birth to a beloved narrative.

4. Missed Accolade: Tolkien’s literary brilliance wasn’t always universally acknowledged. In 1961, the Nobel Committee overlooked him for the Literature prize, citing concerns about his storytelling techniques.

5. Echoes from the Battlefront: Tolkien’s tenure as a Lieutenant during World War I, especially his time in The Battle of the Somme, had a deep impact. Many believe the harrowing sights of warfare influenced his portrayal of the desolate lands of Mordor.

6. The Beatles’ Dream: Imagine a world where The Beatles adapted “The Lord of the Rings” for the big screen! They even thought of roles – Lennon as Gollum and McCartney as Frodo. However, Tolkien didn’t share this dream and declined their request for rights.

7. Journey Beyond Middle-earth: Tolkien’s creative pursuits weren’t limited to hobbits and elves. He once began drafting a story, “The Lost Road,” weaving time-travel elements that aimed to connect Middle-earth to modern days.

7 Facts About 7-Eleven

For many, 7-Eleven represents a convenient stop for a quick snack or late-night Slurpee. But there’s more to this convenience store than meets the eye.

People walk past 7-Eleven convenience store in New York. 7-Eleven is world's largest operator, franchisor and licensor of convenience stores, with more than 46,000 shops.
Photo by depositphotos.com

Discover seven intriguing facts about this iconic brand:

A Modest Beginning: The journey began in 1927, when Joe Thompson of the Southland Ice Company initiated a makeshift storefront in Dallas, selling essentials like milk, eggs, and bread. What started as a convenience for locals avoiding crowded grocery stores soon expanded throughout Texas. An Alaskan totem pole, brought back by a company executive, earned one location the nickname “Tote’m Store,” a nod to customers “toting” away their purchases. The name later changed to 7-Eleven in 1946, highlighting the new store hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Although it began in Dallas and faced two bankruptcies, 7-Eleven has been a Japanese company since 1991. Today, Japan boasts more 7-Eleven locations than any other country.

Cold Drinks and ‘Brainfreezes’: Ever got a headache from drinking a cold beverage too quickly? 7-Eleven has coined that sensation as ‘Brainfreeze,’ and it’s a registered trademark of the company.

The Graceful Logo: Have you noticed the lowercase “n” in 7-ELEVEn? This unique touch came about because the company president’s wife believed an all-caps version seemed too aggressive. The lowercase letter added a touch of grace to the logo.

Trailblazing Moves: Originally named “Tote’m” Stores with an Alaskan Native American theme, 7-Eleven pioneered the concept of extended store hours. The switch to 7-Eleven in 1946, representing the then-unprecedented hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., was groundbreaking. The brand didn’t transition to 24-hour operations until 1963.

Coffee On-the-Go: Before Starbucks and Dunkin’ dominated the scene, 7-Eleven made history in 1964 as the first chain to offer fresh coffee in to-go cups. Soon, to-go coffee was available nationwide, and the invention of coffee lids wasn’t far behind.

Classical Music and Youths: In a quirky 1991 experiment, a 7-Eleven store in Thousand Oaks, CA used classical music to deter loitering youths. For classical aficionados, it was a musical treat, and the strategy proved effective.

A Simpsons Overhaul: In a promotional move for The Simpsons Movie in 2007, 12 North American 7-Eleven stores transformed into Kwik-E-Marts, the show’s fictional convenience store. These revamped locations sold Krusty-O’s cereal, Radioactive Man comics, Buzz Cola, and even Squishees, the show’s version of Slurpees. Duff Beer, Homer Simpson’s beverage of choice, was absent due to the PG-13 movie rating, but fans could quench their thirst with a Duff Energy Drink instead.

Rooted in Wonder: 7 Fascinating Facts About Trees

Bonsai tree
Photo by depositphotos.com

From the ancient towering giants to the saplings we plant today, trees continue to spark awe and intrigue. Their long-standing presence on Earth has sculpted our landscapes and supported countless species. Dive into these seven delightful facts about our leafy friends:

1. The Remarkable Origin of Coal: For millions of years, trees had a monopoly on the planet. Without organisms to decompose them, fallen trees accumulated on the forest floor. Lightning would occasionally ignite these mounds, leading to continent-wide infernos that left behind charcoal and other carbon remnants. With the weight of geological time and pressure, these charred relics became the coal we use today. Intriguingly, this sequence of events could make Earth unique in the universe for having coal as an energy source.

2. Star-studded Canopy: The vastness of the Milky Way is astounding, but here’s a twist: Canada boasts a higher tree count—approximately 300 billion trees—more than the number of stars in our galaxy!

3. Palms and Publicity: Believe it or not, Southern California wasn’t always teeming with palm trees. These iconic trees were introduced mainly as a marketing gimmick, reinventing Los Angeles’s image from a modest cow town to a “semi-tropical” paradise.

4. The Art of Bonsai: Contrary to popular belief, bonsai isn’t a tree species. Instead, it’s a meticulous art form, sculpting regular trees to appear like age-old titans in miniature form.

5. Ginkgo: A Symbol of Resilience: The ginkgo tree stands as a testament to endurance in Japan. These steadfast trees were among the few living beings to emerge from the shadows of the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima, symbolizing hope and tenacity.

6. The Real vs. Artificial Christmas Tree Debate: You might think artificial Christmas trees are environmentally sound, but real trees take the eco-friendly crown. Most Christmas trees are cultivated specifically for Yuletide festivities, benefiting the environment by absorbing CO2 throughout their lifespan. While a real tree eventually decomposes naturally, artificial ones leave a plastic footprint. But, if you were to use the same faux tree for two decades, it might become an eco-positive choice!

7. Nature’s Network: Trees aren’t solitary beings. There’s growing evidence to suggest they thrive in interconnected communities, working collaboratively by sharing resources and ensuring the collective wellbeing. The intricate mycorrhizal networks, connecting tree roots and fungi, may even function similarly to a brain.