› added 2 years ago

265

TIL that the US is the world biggest porn producer.

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awrx0 TIL that in the early 1900's, avocados were known as "alligator pears." In attempt to make the fruit (yes, they are fruits) more marketable to the American consumer, they were re-named avocado which derives from the Aztec word for testicle.
W7oRd Today I learned that in 1985 the US shot down a satellite in orbit with an F-15
ZpkNB TIL that many WW2 aircraft used a radio system so secret that it was supplied with a self-destruct button to prevent it falling into enemy hands. It was so badly designed that pilots and radio operators often blew up their equipment when trying to turn it on.
KyGR TIL that during the Space Race, NASA turned the creation of a functional spacesuit that could withstand the harsh conditions of space into a competition. It was largely dominated by military contractors. However, Playtex, the bra maker, entered and won the competition.
GY6w4 TIL Austrians and Germans have their washing machines in their bathrooms.