› added 11 years ago

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TIL that all bananas (or nearly all) consumed in the United States are picked very green, then ‘flash ripened’ by exposing them to ethylene gas. I also learned (see wiki in 1st comment) that ethylene is the most-used organic compound in industry.

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x6NPk TIL the most effective surrender leaflet in WW2 was known as the "Passierschein". It was designed to appeal to German sensibilities for official, fancy documents printed on nice paper with official seals and signatures. It promised safe passage and generous treatment to any who presented it.
0nRp TIL the Church of Scientology maintains a mansion in California in preparation for L. Ron Hubbard’s reincarnation, where identical sets of black thongs are ready for him, clothes laundered, and cars kept in the garage with keys in the ignition
wLEy1 TIL that professional wrestler Kerry Von Erich had to have his foot amputated after a bad accident, but continued wrestling while secretly wearing a prosthetic - even showering in his boots so no one would know. His injury wasn't public knowledge until his death from suicide 7 years later.
D17rD TIL The worlds largest book was lost by the city of Cleveland. It was called The Golden Book of Cleveland; and it was as large as a mattress. It was misplaced in 1936.
awxoM TIL The Agathis species of coniferous trees was mostly wiped out in the dinosaur extinction event, but 300M+ years from its start, is used to make furniture and ukeleles.