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TIL that Antarctica is a desert

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4a0X TIL that x represents the unknown in Algebra only because there isn’t a ‘sh’ sound in Spanish. The Arabic word شيءٌ (shay'on, literally 'something’) was originally used to denote the unknown in a math equation. It was translated to Chi (X) when the Arabs brought Algebra to Spain.
WkdK4 TIL: Those neck things are called gaiters?!
xXOD TIL that The emu and red kangaroo are on the Australian coat of arms, because they are unable to move backwards and symbolize the nation moving forward constantly
5VYER TIL In 1956, a woman was awarded $300 in damages by the city of Miami after she was hit on the foot by a falling coconut. It was argued that the city should have been on notice that the coconut was a hazard, because "a reasonable man would assume it was about to fall when it turns brown".
L7Zv TIL the Opportunity rover is still gathering scientific observations and reporting back to Earth after being on Mars for 12 years - nearly 50 times its designed lifespan