› added 10 years ago

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TIL that George Washington was almost killed by a British Sniper at the Battle of Brandywine - he was spared since he had his back turned to the marksman.

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PYKxG TIL that in 1984, Burger King ran a commercial featuring a parody of Mr. Rogers. The real Mr. Rogers (a vegetarian) called up the BK vice president, who then ordered the commercials taken off the air at once. Mr. Rogers later met the actor, and told him he was proud of his marvelous job.
rRkoW TIL Pluto (the Disney cartoon dog) when it first appeared in 1930 doesn't have a name yet. He was briefly named Rover. Animators believed Walt Disney wanted to capitalize the popularity of the newly named planet discovered that same year, what is why he was later renamed to Pluto.
yG8X TIL Greenland sharks are the longest-living vertebrate species, with a potential lifespan of over 200 years.
VZyB TIL Why the spicy mustard you get with Chinese food, burns your sinuses instead of mostly your tongue is because it’s got a different chemical than capsaicin that is more volatile. It basically evaporates when you chew it.
wLep7 TIL in 2006, the Mythbusters tested the myth that cardboard used in cereal boxes are healthier than the sugary cereal itself. Two groups of mice were given either item and the box group ended up eating each other while both Mythbusters made remarks about it. The myth was promptly never shown on TV.