› added 6 years ago

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TIL that it's illegal in Canada to alarm the queen or to pretend to practice witchcraft (actually practicing witchcraft is ok)

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via reddit.com

KOYJQ An extraordinary collection of images from Burns Archive shows the extent to which gas masks were promoted as an essential part of everyday life in the early 20th century. It had been 20 years since the end of World War I, when chlorine gas—and, later, mustard gas—had first been used. The estimates of total casualties from this form of chemical warfare are staggering: 88,000 dead and 1,200,000 injured. With war once again on the horizon, Britain and continental Europe began taking early precautions. In 1938, the British government issued 35 million “General Civilian Respirators”. Everyone from ballerinas to surgeons were encouraged to wear the masks.
a8Ako TIL the oldest pancake race in the world still takes place in Olney in the UK, and dates back to 1445
Lkkor TIL that World Rally Championship drivers are trained in first aid in the event that a spectator or driver is injured.
PR9O TIL that twins, at a very young age, have the potential to develop their own unique language that they use to communicate only with each other.
88MV TIL there is a man who has defused over 10,000 land-mines without pay.