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TIL that the stereotype of African Americans loving fried chicken dates back to the Civil War, as chickens were generally the only animals slaves could raise on their own.

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e0m75 TIL The HMS Queen had a pet tortoise (Timothy) on board as a mascot during the Crimean War. Timothy would lead a prolific naval career living on other British ships. She died in 2004 aged aprox 160 years, making her the last living veteran of the Crimean War.
LkwOr TIL about the self-mummification practice of "sokushinjōbutsu" meaning "attaining Buddhahood in the flesh". The monks performed extreme "tree-eating", cold-water ablutions, exposure to freezing temperatures, etc. to become a Buddha in the flesh. This would result in mummification after 10 years.
6ABX TIL: A strongman named John Holtum demonstrated his strength by putting a full cannon on stage and catching the 50-lb cannonballs it fired directly at his chest. The first time he tried, he lost two fingers, but wasn’t injured after that.
9ZkM TIL that Adolph Coors III, who was the heir to the Coors beer empire, was allergic to beer.
gAB7 TIL there is a spider that weighs as much as a small puppy, has hardened claws, and sports two-inch fangs.