› added 10 years ago

162

TIL that Bluetooth is named after 10th Century king Harald Bluetooth who united Danish tribes into a single kingdom, and that the Bluetooth logo is made of the runes for his initials.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

0wLyy TIL the Chinese women who presented the medals in the 2008 Olympics had to be 168-174 centimetres, weigh up to 55 kg, and have an upper to lower-body ratio of 11:13. They trained daily by balancing books on their heads, clenching chopsticks between their teeth, and jamming paper between their knees
oB7W8 TIL When Paris was under siege from a viking raid in 886, King Charles III/The Fat didn't bother fighting them. He instead paid them 700 livres (257 kg) of silver to go and raid to the then rebelling Burgundy instead.
6b7X TIL The Mad Magazine cover after 9/11 originally featured runners in the New York marathon with Alfred E Neuman jumping over a covered dead body. The magazine’s printer called and asked the editors if they were sure this was the cover they wanted, and the cover was changed to Alfred’s face
Bgg0D TIL Arthur Wharton, born Ghana, 1865, became the 100 yard world record holder for 30 years, the world's first professional black soccer player, a cycling champion, a professional cricketer and then a professional rugby player. He died penniless in 1930 and was buried in an unmarked paupers grave.
LQLKm TIL of "Hara hachi bun me" the Japanese belief of only eating until 80% full. There is evidence that following this practice leads to a lower body mass index and increased longevity. The world's oldest man followed this diet