› added 9 years ago

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TIL that the phrase “to turn a blind eye” comes from British Vice Admiral Nelson, who was blind in one eye; in one battle, when he was signaled to stop attacking a fleet of Danish ships, he held up a telescope to his blind eye, saying “I really do not see the signal,” and attacked anyway

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W7yk4 TIL the "snake oil salesman" is attributed to Clark Stanley who gained national attention marketing snake oil at the 1893 World's Fair. In 1916 a USDA analysis concluded there was no snake oil in his concoction at all, and that it was 99% mineral oil. He was fined $20 ($543.69 in 2022).
ORY1 TIL that from 1902-1907, a group of 12 scientists regularly ate dangerous, common food additives that had previously been untested, such as formaldehyde, and documented how they reacted to said additives. They were known as “The Poison Squad,” and helped spur the creation of the FDA.
9Yl5m TIL penguins’ distinct coloration is a form of camouflage. From above, their black backs blend in with murky depths of the ocean. From below, their white bellies are hidden against the bright surface.
ZpLB TIL that smoking shouldn’t have been banned on airplanes because they recycled the air more frequently w/smokers in the cabin. Now, airborne viruses and bacteria are much more harmful and CO2 levels are higher–all to save airline companies money.
O8g TIL That Facebook owns hundreds of Domain names, including faceboo.com, fb.com, and IHateTheFacebookLikeButton.com