› added 8 years ago

211

TIL the Soviet Union had a functioning prototype laser pistol.

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earE TIL: The Ramones debut was only certified gold in April 2014, 38 years after its release and three months before the final member on the album died.
gMg9y TIL Hedgehogs will rub a saliva-substance mixture (such as feces) on themselves in a process called Self Anointing. It's commonly thought this is to either absorb toxins for immunity or to deter predators through scent camouflage.
5YlVD TIL Iran currently is the only country in the world that allows the sale of one's kidney for compensation (typically a payment); consequently, the country does not have either a waiting list or a shortage of available organs.
LQyEm TIL that the USS Ward, the first ship involved in WW II when it sunk a sub sneaking into Pearl Harbor hours before the aerial attack, was commanded by Wm. Outerbridge. 3 years later, USS Ward was mortally damaged by Kamikaze, and ordered sunk by USS O'Brien, commanded by Wm. Outerbridge.
1lG7 TIL that 2 days before Christmas 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson paid a visit to Pope Paul VI where they exchanged unique gifts. While LBJ received a stunning 15th century painting from Pope Paul VI, the pope himself received a foot high, bronze bust of Johnson’s head.