› added 10 years ago

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TIL that from 1964 to 1973 the United States dropped 2 million tons of bombs on Laos — enough for a full plane load every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 9 years.

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BgyLk TIL the Mayans would install jade and other jewels into their teeth for decorative purposes. The sealants used to affix the jewels also helped prevent tooth decay.
g6N7 TIL that Lee County, Alabama sheriff’s office told people who had fallen behind on child support that they had won tickets to the Alabama/Auburn football game. Then arrested them when they came to collect their free tickets.
5Ve7Q TIL the piano failed to catch on when it was first invented in 1700. It was only after Johann Zumpe made improvements and J.S. Bach socially promoted the piano in 1768 that it eventually displaced the harpsichord as the preferred keyboard instrument.
8eKkK TIL Einstein initially rejected the Big Bang theory, and proposed an alternative theory of his own for the origins of the universe.
vE6D TIL Inspired by American independence, revolutionaries declared a United States of Belgium in 1790, but it was crushed by the Holy Roman Emperor in less than a year.