› added 9 years ago

235

TIL that Will Smith saved humanity from aliens on the same day two years in a row. First in Independence Day and again the next year in Men in Black.

4Xxo5 TIL that in the Falklands, an abandoned minefield has accidentally become a penguin sanctuary. The mines were set in the Falklands conflict and have remained there since, keeping humans away. The local Magellanic penguins are too small to set them off and have thrived in the area.
v6j8 TIL that in 1890 an Oberlin College professor gave a lecture on then-rare aluminum, stating ‘if anyone could make this on a commercial scale, he would be a benefactor to the world and would also make a great fortune.’ In attendance was Charles Hall, who took him up on the challenge – and succeeded.
m4Xy TIL the first time American troops fought under a foreign commander was during WW1. Despite being ordered to withdraw by their own command, they remained with their Australian and British allies, utilising combined arms to result in the very successful Battle of Hamel
1ab7V TIL Researchers actually know shockingly little about male pattern baldness. While most agree it involves DHT, we don't know the specific mechanisms of how and why DHT causes baldness. This is due to baldness being classified as cosmetic issue, not a disease, which limits research funds available.
vE4x TIL The seal of the city of Atlanta features a phoenix because it is the only major American city that’s been completely destroyed by war. It was burnt to the ground in 1865.