› added 2 years ago

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TIL about Linseed Oil on rags causing Spontaneous Combustion

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laO5 TIL Thomas Midgley who invented Ethyl, the lead-based additive to gasoline, also invented chlorofluorocarbons, which just about destroyed the ozone layer. He got polio, invented a wire-and-pulley system to get himself out of bed, and then ended up being strangled by it.
Onde [TIL] In France brass knuckles are referred to as “poing américain” or American Fist
WkO7B TIL in 2013 Van Damme did an ad for Volvo where he stood on the mirrors of two trucks that slowly backed up and got farther apart, leading to him doing a split. The stunt was done in one take.
GYMWJ TIL that Ken Jennings' historic Jeopardy! run nearly ended before it began. Jennings' first Final Jeopardy answer of "Who is Jones" had to be adjudicated before it was allowed. If he hadn't been given credit, he would have finished in 3rd, on his first episode.
Bg4eL TIL about Gurkhas, they are legendary warriors from Nepal who do not fear death. They have also served in the British army for over 200 years, winning the highest military honour, the Victoria Cross 26 times.