› added 5 years ago

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TIL about a journalist/broadcaster from BBC who was assassinated at a bus stop in London by the KGB. A 1.7mm pallet was shot in his leg from the tip of an umbrella. The coating of the pallet melted and allowed the deadly toxin "Ricin" to be absorbed in his bloodstream. He was dead 4 days later.

epgo6 TIL That the Lactational Amenorrhea Method is a natural birth control based on exclusive breastfeeding that suppresses ovulation. It’s 98% effective for six months postpartum but only if you haven't resumed your period, breastfeed on demand, and include night feeds.
LkKZm TIL that a newborn is triggered into its first breathe by contractions that reducing oxygen flow through the umbilical, which increases carbon dioxide. The increase of carbon dioxide causes acidosis which triggers the respiratory center of the brain, causing the baby to start using it's lungs.
E1vgw TIL that Teddy Roosevelt took a break from the presidency to go camping with John Muir for four days. They explored without any supervision/security. Roosevelt was so inspired by the trip that it eventually led to the creation of the National Park Service.
oRmaY TIL Everybody is allowed to do the Māori Haka dance, but only if done with respect.
nWdnG TIL Napoleon Hill, who wrote Think and Grow Rich, was a lifelong scammer. He lied about meeting Andrew Carnegie, never advised any presidents, and even inspired a cult that tried to raise an immortal baby. His whole career was built on fake stories, fraud, and constant reinvention.