› added 11 years ago

106

TIL There is no road connecting North and South America

Read more m.wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

OG7Og TIL the achilles tendon on an ape is short or non-existent whereas humans have long ones. Computer models suggest that energy stored in the tendon increases top running speed by over 80% and reduces energy consumption by more than 3/4
WkNBd TIL the US two dollar bill is still being produced today. It's apparent rarity is in part due to the common misconception that it is no longer being produced, causing people to collect them, thus pulling them out of circulation.
l7Gea TIL the term "canary" in software deployment comes from coal miners who used actual canaries as early warning systems. Miners took these birds underground since they're extremely sensitive to toxic gases like carbon monoxide. If the canary fell ill or died, it was a signal for miners to evacuate.
ep0B5 TIL The Price is Right prizes in the late '50s were some of the most overboard ever on television. Offering things like bulk amounts of food and livestock to new houses, property, company stocks, small businesses, a submarine, and even an island.
O7RR TIL Philip A. Contos was a motorcyclist who died at an anti-helmet rally after he flipped over his handlebars and hit his head on the pavement