› added 8 years ago

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TIL that the Soviet launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, was such a shocking event that at least one theater manager stopped the movie to announce it. The movie was Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, and in the audience was a young Stephen King.

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GlJG TIL In 1943 a Pan Am Airline chef snuck whiskey into passengers’ coffee to warm them up on a winter flight. When asked what kind of coffee they were being served, he improvised “Irish Coffee,” creating the now-famous cocktail.
AMLw TIL Switzerland has more millionaires than recipients of social assistance
P1OrO TIL of how thousands died from methanol poisoning via tainted industrial alcohol during U.S. Prohibition, thanks to the total absence of liquor regulation.
PYvwn TIL The human immune systems neutrophil granulocytes engulf and kill bacteria with hypochlorous acid, the active ingredient in bleach, as well as hydrogen peroxide - effectively sanitizing the body with the same chemicals we use to sanitize surfaces.
D1D7D TIL that the first documented use of toilet paper is from the 6th century iN China. By early 14th century, they were manufacturing toilet paper at the rate of 10 million packages (ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 sheets) annually. It wasn't until 1857, toilet paper was commercially available in the US.