› added 11 years ago

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TIL when heroin is used medicinally, typically after a heart attack/major surgery for pain, it is called “diamorphine”. The word “heroin” is only used when discussing the drug in its illegal form.

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7rpVp TIL the pineapple became a sign of hospitality during America's colonial era. The exotic fruit was an expensive treat originally served to only the most-honored guest. Towns, inns and individual households began displaying images of the fruit in order to convey a sense of welcoming.
jNVvX TIL that in Labyrinth, David Bowie's crystal ball spinning was actually performed by a professional juggler Michael Moschen, who stood behind him with his arms through his cloak.
KOpwR TIL that before trees (~400 million years ago) the Earth's landscape was dotted with 24ft tall, 3ft wide mushroom spires called Prototaxites
5VVRQ TIL there is an owl that nests underground. The burrowing owl usually takes holes dug by other animals to nest but also can dig their own.
ZpJ7Y TIL that "Disco Duck," a novelty disco song featuring a talking duck, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976