› added 10 years ago

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TIL that if the man rationing the rum on a ship was suspected of cheating would be challenged to mix the rum with gunpowder. rum that was not watered down and was “over proof”, would still allow the power to ignite, coining the term.

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8QOK Til that “Frankenstein” mummies were found in Scotland. 2 bodies made out of 6 people.
LQQWZ TIL that Stede Bonnet (of "Our Flag Means Death" fame) was an actual person who worked with Blackbeard.
a8Vo0 TIL that limelight is a type of lighting once used for stages. Intense illumination is created when a flame fed by oxygen and hydrogen is directed at a cylinder of quicklime. Long since replaced by electric lighting, the term has survived; someone in the public eye is said to be "in the limelight."
JD7B TIL: According to the United Nations, there are only 17 Non-self Governing Territories in the world. The United Kingdom controls 10 of them. The United States controls three.
ADRXl TIL there’s a federal law requiring all vodkas be distilled in such a manner that ensures they pretty much all taste the same (without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color). NPR facilitated a lab study that proved there are no discernible taste differences in cheap vodka vs Grey Goose.