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TIL of a 1698 beard tax in Russia, in which authorities were authorized by Emperor Peter I to publicly shave individuals who did not pay the tax on their beards. The tax was designed to make Russian men conform to Western European notions of grooming.

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j6G9p TIL that scientists created a 60 year long experiment in Siberia, selectively breeding wild foxes who showed friendly traits. 40 generations later they were as friendly as dogs!
LQQJp TIL the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) was founded under the principles of 'Muscular Christianity,' a Christian philosophy that ties physical strength and development with Christian spiritual growth. The creation of the modern Olympic Games was also influenced by this philosophy.
6WmY TIL that for April Fools, Taco Bell claimed to have bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the “Taco Liberty Bell”, when the White House Press Secretary was asked about it, he said Ford was buying the Lincoln Memorial. And renaming it the Lincoln Mercury Memorial.“
Z8pdv TIL a man in China has been drinking medicinal gasoline for 42 years and is still (probably) alive.
WrJ4 TIL Indigenous South Americans had advanced metallurgy and worked platinum with sintering method prior to contact with the European settlers. Platinum has a melting point of 3218 F. Europeans were unable to work platinum until the 19th century.