› added 10 years ago

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TIL that the word ‘plastic’ in 'plastic surgery’ is in no way a reference to the petroleum based engineered material, but actually denotes 'sculpting or reshaping’, from the Greek derived word 'πλαστική’ (plastikē), “the art of modelling” of malleable flesh.

Ej57 TIL that 2 people in Greenland died of botulism after eating poorly prepared Kiviak, a delicacy in which a seal is stuffed full of birds then left to ferment. The family of the first victim - not knowing that the meal caused his death - served it at his funeral, leading to the death of his daughter.
awBrN TIL that Olympic gold medals are actually just gold-plated silver, and bronze medals are only worth about $3.
QNVDp TIL that Pope Felix I, who served from 269 to 274, was a key figure in early Christian theology. He opposed the teachings of Paul of Samosata, who denied the divinity of Christ, and is traditionally credited with starting the practice of celebrating Mass over the tombs of martyrs.
BgVGx TIL that mucus is more than just snot and boogers. Fish use it on their skin to fight microbes; snails and slugs use it to move, stay moist, and cover their eggs; hagfish use it in slime to deter predators; and larval lampreys use it when they're feeding.
5YWar TIL that Coca-Cola used to have a small amount of cocaine in it. It was added there for “medicinal purposes” and was the “Coca” in “Coca-Cola”. The “Cola” in it’s name was named after the kola nuts in the drink.