› added 12 years ago

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TIL that 80% of male prisoners in the US are black, and 1 in 3 African American males aged 20–29 is imprisoned, jailed, or on parole/probation.

vMJj TIL The holiday suicide myth supports misinformation about suicide that might ultimately hamper prevention efforts. The idea that suicide rates increase during the holiday season is a myth perpetuated by the media. In fact, suicide rates are the lowest in December.
Ood44 TIL that French fries are called like this, because it come from the type of cut, the "French cut" referred to "Julienning" (julienne in french) the term "French fry" was alluded to when, in 1802, Thomas Jefferson requested "potatoes served in the French manner" to accompany a White House meal.
EgPGo TIL Andrew Johnson did not master reading, grammar, or math until he met his wife at 17. The only other President with so little formal education was Abraham Lincoln. However Lincoln is esteemed as America's greatest President, while Johnson, his successor, is ranked as one of the worst
N7Byb TIL a man was hit by a Metro train going 70mph and his flying body parts injured a woman. She sued his estate on the theory that “If you do something as stupid as this guy did, you have to be responsible for what comes from it“
rNB01 TIL the Roman plebeian Publius Afranius Potitus vowed to sacrifice his life if Emperor Caligula recovered from his illness. He expected to be rewarded for his loyalty, but was shocked when he was expected to carry out his oath after Caligula recovered. He tried to renege, but was executed.