› added 10 years ago

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TIL Hugh Thompson (who saved numerous Vietnamese civilians during the My Lai massacre) suffered from PTSD, alcoholism, divorce, and severe nightmare disorder as a result of testifying against those responsible for the massacre.

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OGOkg TIL that the Preakness Stakes, second race of the Triple Crown, is known as "The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans", after the state flower of Maryland. However, since the race is held in May and the flowers don't bloom until June, a chrysanthemum garland is used instead.
waEM TIL that a soccer ball that was on board Space Shuttle Challenger, was recovered, and is now in orbit around Earth aboard the International Space Station
nWwbb TIL that eight people have been nominated and confirmed to the Supreme Court, but never took their seats. All but one declined, with Edwin Stanton dying just four days after his nomination was confirmed by the Senate.
QJvXE TIL male bats have spiked penises, likely to produce a velco-like effect while mating in flight.
neJgP TIL A radioactive energy drink called "Radithor" was sold in the US market for a decade in the 1920s. Radium 226 and 228 isotopes we’re used, and the expensive product claimed to cure impotence, among other ills. Some of the more prominent users had to be buried in lead coffins.