› added 2 weeks ago

TIL a "Watchdog timer" is the name of a chip that allows a computer to reboot itself without human intervention if something fails. (e.g. a Mars rover in distress)

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VMpNB TIL When applied directly to the eye, the Bëcchëte medicinal plant is reported by tribes to have the effect of giving the environment greater texture and dimension, making it easier to spot animals during hunting. The effects are reported to be long-term, lasting days or weeks, not just a few hours.
DoKD TIL Weird Al Yankovic said he knew he’d made it as a famous musician when he went to a party, saw Paul McCartney and before he could introduce himself to the former Beatle, McCartney recognized him and said, “Hey! It’s Weird Al!”
bJRj TIL holding a warm drink makes you perceive others you interact with to be “warmer”; i.e. friendlier and more giving.
vPZV8 TIL In the past, Chinese orphanages were full of healthy girls due to the strict one-child policy and the common preference for boys. Now, Chinese authorities estimate that 98 percent of abandoned children have disabilities, both mild to severe
Jv0V TIL that the Dana Carvey Show, which aired just 7 episodes in 1996, had a writing team that included Louis C.K., Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bob Odenkirk, Charlie Kaufman. Robert Smigel, Dino Stamatopoulous (Starburns from Community) and more.