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TIL that before 1530, when “Syphilis” was coined, the Russians had been calling it "Polish disease", the Polish and Germans "French disease" and the Dutch "Spanish disease". The French called it "Italian disease" but the Italians called it "French disease” back at them.

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kxDe TIL that in 2013 a UK company perfected the “tomtato” - a plant that grows potatoes under the soil and tomatoes above.
WXMY TIL that a New Orleans police officer committed an armed robber murdering a uniformed policeman and two employees in the process. One employee hid in the freezer and was spared, the officer returned to “investigate” the crime and was identified by the survivor as the shooter.
0dJ0N TIL In January 1996, Jimmy Buffett's airplane was shot at by Jamaican police, who believed the craft to be smuggling marijuana. The plane was carrying Buffett, Bono and his family. The Jamaican government acknowledged the mistake and apologized to Buffett, who penned the song "Jamaica Mistaica"
kY1 TIL Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) worked with Colonel Sanders (KFC) to adopt certain trademarks, including the bucket and sign. Then with the money he made, founded Wendy’s.
awpmM TIL The New York Times was hoaxed into running an article about "grunge speak." A reporter pressured a receptionist from Sub Pop Records about whether grunge fans had their own slang. On the spot, she made up terms like "harsh realm," "cob nobbler" and "lamestain." The article was never corrected.