› added 3 years ago

92

TIL about France's Camargue bullfighting, where the object is to not kill the bull, but to remove objects attached to their horns for a cash prize. (More details in comments)

9Yjjr TIL that in 2016 a research ship was named The RRS Sir David Attenborough. An internet poll to suggest the name of the ship showed the actual winner was the name "Boaty McBoatface," but the Science Minister wanted a "more suitable name" and chose a different name from the poll's choices.
6Eapw TIL in the 1950s, a researcher was designing army airplane seats for an 'average' pilot based on measurements from 1000s of airmen, only to discover this theoretical 'average' he'd derived wouldn't fit any of them. This realization led to adjustable seats, foot pedals, helmet straps and flight suits
AeQ7 TIL that Finland is the fifth most happiest country according to the world happiness report
KOyDQ TIL that in ancient Rome, giving fellatio was seen as a disgusting, shameful act, while receiving it wasn't. So sometimes petty crimes were solved by punishing the criminal through forcing him/her to perform fellatio on the victim of the crime, instead of taking the case to court.
R7w5w TIL in 1965 six boys from Tonga skipped school and 'borrowed' a boat. After a storm and 8 days adrift, they survived alone on a small rocky island for 15 months. They stayed friends and worked together to survive and stay fit. After their rescue they were jailed (shortly) for stealing the boat.