› added 6 years ago

84

TIL The word "vanilla" has a root going back to Latin word "vagina," meaning "sheath," which describes the shape of vanilla pods.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

xVeww TIL the creators of "Parks and Recreation" did research for the show by interviewing actual government officials. One said, "Well, I’m a libertarian, so I don’t really believe in the mission of my job. Yes, I’m aware of the irony." The character of Ron Swanson was born.
oBJxK TIL the Apollo astronauts could not get life insurance, so they signed hundreds of envelopes as memorabilia in the event of their death.
KgZa TIL “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is about Shaka The Lion, a warrior king of the Zulus who resisted the armies of European colonizers. The song claims that he is not dead, only sleeping, and he will one day return to lead his oppressed people to freedom.
GY1MQ TIL in April 1998 two women walked onto The Golden Gate Bridge at the same time intending to commit suicide. They did not know each other, but soon realized they were there for the same reason. A patrol officer saw them sitting on the railing, chatting. One jumped, followed by the other.
xVjNk TIL that anyone residing in Portugal is presumed a consenting organ donor unless the contrary is manifested by obtaining a legal document that states the person does not want to be considered for donation upon their death.