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TIL that the model characterized in Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' was only officially identified in 2005 as Lisa del Giocondo

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XE6PQ TIL that alone among Nazi-occupied nations, Albania's Jewish population actually increased during the Holocaust. The mostly Muslim population sheltered Jews from around Europe, and only five Jews were killed in Albania during the two years of Nazi rule
E1Zex TIL that the word 'bald' in 'bald eagle' has nothing to do with the definition as a lack of hair. Rather, the term bald eagle is derived in English from the word 'piebald', in reference to their white heads and tail feathers in contrast to the darker color of the rest of their bodies.
LkpeV TIL that the German submarine U-1206 was lost due to a toilet malfunction: the leak flooded the submarine's batteries causing them to release chlorine gas, leaving the Commander with no alternative but to surface. Once surfaced, U-1206 was discovered and bombed by British patrols.
a86gA TIL that the first national spelling championship was held in 1908, 17 years before the first Scripps National Spelling Bee, and was won by a 14-year-old black girl named Marie C. Bolden, who won with a perfect score.
OoBx6 TIL it's been psychologically proven that bronze medal winners are happier than silver medal winners. Bronze medalists are happy they won anything, while silver medalists are disappointed they didn't get gold.