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TIL that “lead” pencils have never actually contained lead, but the Romans used lead as a writing tool.

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oBGJ7 TIL that DeForest Kelley never actually said "Damn it Jim! I'm a doctor, not a..." in the original Star Trek series on TV. The word "damn" was actually banned on TV at the time.
Wk79o From powering airplanes to replacing nuclear energy, algae has been touted as a green energy miracle. So if our waterways are already filled with the stuff, why isn’t it filling the world’s skies with biofueled planes? Algae is a tricky creature that presents a lot of challenges and misconceptions. Here’s why it’s difficult to harness—and why it could big a big payoff.
Xde6 TIL that in 1915, scam artist Charles Hatfield convinced the town of San Diego that he could create rainfall using a secret mix of chemicals. The city offered to pay him $10,000 if he could end their drought, and the ‘result,’ a few days later, was the town’s worst flood of the 20th century.
neKBd TIL singing has amazing health benefits such as: Works the lungs & tones intercostals/diaphragm, Improves sleep, Benefits cardio, Relaxes muscle tension, Improves posture, Opens sinuses/respiratory tubes, Could decrease snoring, Releases endorphins, Boosts immune system, Improves Parkinsons symptoms
E14ep TIL: Jimmy Page considers Stairway to Heaven a masterpiece. Robert Plant does not share his fondness. Plant has referred to it as a "wedding song" and insists that his favourite Led Zeppelin song is "Kashmir."