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TIL the oleander is the official flower of the city of Hiroshima because it was the first to bloom again after the explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945.

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M7QnB TIL most modern chewing gum is made with Butyl (polyisobutylene), an oil derived synthetic rubber which is also used in tires and innertubes, and is then mixed with food grade plasticizers (also oil derived), and a few other materials.
78VDM TIL that the world's largest snowflake on record measured 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. It fell in Fort Keogh, Montana in 1887 and was reported to be "larger than milk pans."
lo5yN TIL the first SMS text message was sent 27 years ago in December 1992 and simply said “Merry Christmas “
e05Kn TIL of COCOM limits, controls placed on GPS systems which stop them from functioning at a speed of over 1200 MPH and/or 59,000 feet. These are specifically in place to prevent the GPS from being used to guide missiles.
x6Nb TIL the Swiss Guard, known now as the guys in the silly costumes that stand around the Vatican holding spears, once stood against an army as it sacked Rome. 189 Guard stood against 20,000 invaders at the Vatican long enough for Pope Clement VII to escape the city.