› added 9 months ago

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TIL that in 1962, the Italian training vessel Amerigo Vespucci was hailed by American USS Independence, who asked who they were. After Amerigo Vespucci identified itself, the USS Independence replied: "You are the most beautiful ship in the world." The compliment was repeated 60 years later.

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4Jba TIL a study in Australia found that using roundabouts instead of stop signs/signals resulted in a 75 percent reduction in injury collisions, a 90 percent reduction in fatality collisions, and when long term costs were considered cost around the same.
rNyQy TIL that in 1860 the original 13th amendment to the Constitution was intended to preserve slavery in the states that already had it. Known as the Corwin Amendment, it was an attempt to forestall secession. It was passed by Congress, but ratification by states was suspended when the Civil War began.
kJlW4 TIL that serotonin, commonly linked to happiness as a neurotransmitter, has a surprising dual nature: it can be toxic. When injected into the skin, it causes severe pain and is a key component in wasp, hornet, and scorpion venom.
jOaQ TIL In 1928 two AF officers flew to a record of 38,000 feet in a small biplane. The controls then completely froze in the -78 degree air, and with oxygen depleting, they waited for 20 minutes until the plane ran out of fuel. Now powerless, the pilot glided all the way down for a smooth landing
aXLy TIL that the yellow “sweat” stains commonly found on shirts in the armpit region are actually caused by a reaction with deodorants rather than sweat.