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TIL a researcher in the 1970s blindfolded participants and told them they were going to play tug-of-war against another team. When they were told they had 3 others pulling with them, they pulled 18% less strenuously than when they were told they were alone. The effect is now known as social loafing.

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0wyyv TIL That the modern display of the confederate flag is not what was flown by the majority of soldiers of the Confederate States of America, but is the battle flag of the army of Northern Virginia.
Gpp5 TIL Japan’s Unit 731, during WWII infected prisoners with tiger blood, anthrax and other diseases/viruses, amputated limbs without anesthesia and tested weapons on live prisoners. The research notes were given to the US in exchange for immunity post war…
R78d6 TIL it's legal in New York to own a monkey if you're paralyzed and the monkey is trained to perform household tasks for you
8GmL TIL In 1965, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson said to the Greek ambassador “Fuck your parliament and your constitution. America is an elephant. Cyprus is a flea. Greece is a flea. If these two fellows continue itching the elephant they may just get whacked by the elephant’s trunk, whacked good.”
R7Vb7 TIL of the Oakland Buddha, a statue placed on a trash-ridden street corner by a non-Buddhist neighbor who was fed up with the trash. He thought the statue might 'shift the energy in the neighborhood.' It has since become a shrine and gathering place for Vietnamese residents.