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TIL: People infected with a parasite that reproduces in cats are more likely to pursue entrepreneurial and business-related activities. In countries with higher infection rates, fewer people cite a “fear of failure” as a deterrent to a new business venture.

0dyjN TIL that Antoine-Augustin Parmentier popularised potatoes in France by hosting dinners for influencers, getting royal endorsements, and planting guarded fields near Paris. At night, guards left so people would steal them, making potatoes seem valuable. This led to their widespread acceptance.
ep5L6 TIL in about 50% of the cases studied, Coca-Cola alone was found to be effective at removing a type of bowel obstruction called phytobezoars (which consist of indigestible plant fibers). And when treatment with Coca-Cola is combined with additional endoscopic methods, the success rate approaches 90%
R7Ag4 TIL that Robocop actor, Peter Weller, earned a Ph. D in Italian Renaissance Art History in 2014
AD95d TIL of "slow television"—live, nonstop TV coverage of an ordinary event in its complete length. Slow TV was popularized by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation's 7-hour broadcast of the train ride from Bergen to Oslo in 2009, and a 134-hour broadcast of the MS Nordnorge's coastal voyage in 2011.
mxJkv TIL that the FBI has an entire fake town for training agents. Hogan's Alley has a bank, post office, hotel, laundromat, barber shop, pool hall, shops, and homes. The town is populated by actors who roleplay parts like bystanders, terrorists, bank robbers, and drug dealers so scenarios always change