› added 12 years ago

189

TIL that 90-95% of the phones sold in Japan are waterproof.

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v10OK TIL the Queen piece in chess was originally a Visier, akin to prime minister. In Europe, according to one theory, it changed to a queen during the 13th century as prominent European Queens (Eleanor of Aquitaine/Blanche of Castile) better reflected the role of a King's source of power and influence.
9YVMX TIL about agricultural slavery in present day southern italy run by the local Mafia. It is not only tolerated by local police, but is actually supported.
E1vr7 TIL Newspaper cleans windows better than microfiber rags and paper towels!
1aYOd TIL the watch made its migration from the pocket to the wrist during World War I, when soldiers were obligated to attach them to their arms for coordinated attacks, instead of fumbling in their pockets. Before then, the "bracelet watch" had mostly been regarded as a joke and "silly-ass fad".
vbl7 TIL that a Jewish-American was the prime financier of the rebels in the American Revolutionary War. He died penniless because no one ever repaid him.