› added 4 years ago

103

TIL Xinghai Square, Dalian, China covers a total area of 110 ha (270 acres), making it the largest city square in the world. China's tallest huabiao (19.97 meters high) was once located at the center of the square but it was demolished secretly in 2016 at midnight without explanation

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

LQpv9 TIL: in the USA, only the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the D.C. can order flags to fly at half-staff. Reasons for flying at half staff are: The death of a government official, military member, or first responder, A national tragedy, Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
v1WwK TIL that on Pink Floyd’s album Wish You Were Here, the stunt actor who posed for the cover art is genuinely on fire.
OGAm4 TIL that in 1726 one of King George I’s surgeons was duped into believing a woman had given birth to rabbits. After losing his position after the hoax was exposed, he refused to eat rabbit for the rest of his life
J7Q4 TIL that as a boy, composer Guiseppe Verdi missed his cue to give water and wine to the priest. The priest kicked Verdi down the alter steps, to which Verdi responded by saying" May God strike you with lightning". Eight years later the priest was struck by lightning and killed.
70oL TIL that Quaker Oats once fed radioactive Oats to mentally handicapped children to study its effects.