› added 8 years ago

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TIL that methamphetamine was nicknamed panzerschokolade (“tank chocolate”) during WWII because of how common it was used among German soldiers

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amm0 TIL that rats sometimes get their tails intertwined. They then proceed to live out their lives and move together as one. This foul creature is called a Rat King and can consist of up to 30 rats.
epyn TIL that Dave Canterbury from Dual Survivor was fired from the show for completely lying about his military/survival experience.
lodxK TIL that there is an actual metal pole that marks the south pole. Aside from the ceremonial pole, there is a much smaller pole that must be replaced regularly to account for changing conditions.
196W TIL the most common reason Japanese people wear face masks is to protect us from THEIR germs. Not from other people’s.
16k7D TIL: The scent of freshly cut grass is actually a plant's distress signal. When damaged, grass releases "green leaf volatiles" (GLVs), which act as a cry for help. These chemicals attract insects that protect the plant by eating herbivores, making the familiar smell a signal of defense.