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TIL Heroin derives its name from “heroic”, as it was originally marketed as a non-addictive wonder cure to morphine addiction

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9wKBp TIL Former US first lady Jane Pierce was extremely reluctant to move into the White House. Before her husband Franklin Pierce became president, she prayed every night that he would lose the presidential election. She is said to have fainted upon hearing the news of his nomination.
OZOR TIL the mayor of Bogotá hired several hundred mimes to mock poor drivers, leading to a decrease in traffic violations.
jNpXQ TIL there was a powerful geomagnetic storm in 1859 that, if it were to occur today, would cause widespread electrical disruptions, blackouts, and damage
pXDZ TIL Howie Mandel was expelled from his high school for impersonating a member of the school board and signing a construction contract to make an addition to his school.
QNxmk TIL about "Man Engines" which were moving ladders that constantly moved up and down about 10 feet and used to move miners from 1000 ft deep mine shafts by stepping on and off the ladder step at the top of the up stroke, then stepping onto the next step on the down stroke (animation in link)