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TIL Most authors in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction (1920-39) agreed to a set of “Ten Commandments,” which banned lame plot devices like secret twin brothers and hidden passageways.

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4kv55 TIL that the words cannon, cane, candy, canister and canyon probably share the same Sumerian root which means "reed".
yQ0DJ TIL circular indentations on plastic milk jugs have a purpose! The soft, flexible plastic design will bulge if the milk has spoiled, allows extra room for expansion if frozen & absorbs damage from falling.
N7WDM TIL When most people think of Civil War surgery they envision a poor soldier being forcibly held down while his arm or leg is amputated without the benefit of anesthesia. This Hollywood concept of Civil War surgery is far from accurate.
lkbN TIL King Edward I built the largest trebuchet ever in order to lay siege to a Scottish Castle. The sight of the giant trebuchet so intimidated the Scots that they tried to surrender, but Edward sent them back so he could use his new weapon to launch 300 lb projectiles at the castle.
ANDJo TIL that the naval ensign of the Indian Navy continues to contain the flag of England (Cross of St George) defaced with India's national flag as a canton (in the upper left quarter).