TIL: Chlorate candles are used on submarie and in space to generate oxygen by burning a mix of sodium chlorate and iron powder. They have an indefinite shelf life and are surprisingly safe.
TIL the world's current #1 female chess player treats chess as a hobby and is a Rhodes Scholar and a University professor at age 26.
TIL the British Royal Navy has been instructed not to detain pirates of certain nationalities because the punishments for piracy in their home countries would make the pirates eligible for British asylum under British human rights legislation.
TIL that the agave americana (or, century plant) lives for 10 to 30 years, yet only flowers once before dying. At the end of its life, the plant sends up a laddered stalk that can reach 30 feet in height.
TIL when Mr. Potato Head was first introduced, parents were expected to supply their own potato. Federal regulations made the pieces less sharp, so Hasbro was forced to include a plastic potato with pre-made holes.