› added 12 years ago

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TIL that a British sharpshooter nearly killed an unaware George Washington before the Battle of Brandywine, but the shooter decided against it because Washington’s back was turned.

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mxx0R TIL - 'Wednesday' derives from Old English 'Wōdnesdæg' which originates from the Old Norse God Odin's name.
Wpj9 TIL in 2013, Costa Rica announced it would close all its zoos, effective March 2014, and free animals either to the wild or to safe “retirement” shelters. Officials say this is a response to “a change of environmental conscience among Costa Ricans”
4XVjX TIL the naturalist William Buckland spent much of his life trying to eat every animal possible to see how it tasted. He grew fond of eating Mice on toast, while His least favorite meals were that of mole, and bluebottle flies.
7MQr TIL that, in China, there are hundreds of primary schools that are sponsored by tobacco firms, and they have such slogans as “Talent comes from hard work – Tobacco helps you become talented.”
LOWP TIL that Israel is the smallest country with indigenous launch capabilities.