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TIL the American woodcock has the largest visual field of not only any bird, but of any terrestrial vertebrate because its large eyes are set far back and high on its head, causing its brain to be flipped upside down.It rocks back and forth while foraging and eats its body weight in worms every day.

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ADxd7 TIL of the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels, stolen in 1907, shortly before the visit of King Edward VII Today they would be valued at several million euro. They were never Recovered.
VM08Q TIL in 1809 Theodore Hook made a bet that he could make any house in London the most talked-about address in a week. He sent out 1000s of letters in the name of Mrs Tottenham of 54 Berners Street, requesting deliveries, visitors, and assistance. A large part of London was brought to a standstill.
E1GQo TIL in 1829, when pirates attacked a US ship, a man onboard managed to avoid their attention by dressing up as a priest. He put on black gown and a wide brimmed hat and stayed in his cabin. When the pirates found him, they made the sign of the cross and left. He was the only one not to be robbed.
abPZ TIL When James Dean first met Alec Guinness (Ben Kenobi) he asked him to take a look at his brand new Porsche Spyder. Guinness told Dean: “If you get in that car, you will be found dead in it by this time next week.” This encounter took place on September 23, 1955, seven days before Dean’s death.
10gD TIL The Stroop effect (e.g. the printed word “blue” colored in red) was used to help detect Russian spies during the Cold War.