› added 11 years ago

210

TIL that because sounds in the minor key can make us sad & ones in the major key can make us happy, prolonged ambient noises in our surroundings [A/C motor, fridge running, dial-tones, beeps, etc] can actually have an effect on our moods.

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via reddit.com

mx9oE TIL that the 1841 Creole Mutiny -- the "most successful slave revolt in U.S. history" -- won the freedom of 128 people when the Creole, a ship carrying slaves from Virginia for sale in New Orleans, was taken over and sent to the Bahamas, straining U.S. relations with Great Britain.
Oompe TIL tarsiers can become suicidal. These animals are so sensitive that when they are touched or kept in captivity they hit their head against objects and are killed due to their thin skull.
mxPWp TIL: there is a Harry Potter fanfic that is so popular among Russian geeks, they published it as a paper book and distributed it among libraries. In the fanfic, Harry applies the scientific method to improve the Wizarding World
7rKWr TIL that St. Nicholas of Myra, upon whom Santa Claus is based, is the patron saint of prostitutes
QrN9 TIL the scientists (and everyone else) in Antarctica have ‘heedless sex’ (16,500 condoms are distributed to 200 people spending the winter), taking 'ice wives’ and 'ice husbands,’ and also binge-drink, do drugs and generally go completely nuts, and is pretty much the only reason anyone goes back.