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TIL there is a functional link between syphilis and the popularity of codpieces in the 1500s. Syphilis showed up in Europe in 1494 shortly after Columbus returned and codpieces appeared around 1500. The codpiece protected the penis, held medicinal ointments and protected stylish clothing.

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dDNOK TIL in 1991, 60 minutes suggested red wine was the reason for the 'French Paradox' (the French had lower rates of heart disease than Americans despite both having high-fat diets). The day after it aired, all US airlines ran out of red wine & over the next month, red wine sales in the US spiked 44%.
OGxw1 TIL: Ukehi is a Japanese Shinto divination ritual that has 6 functions. To kill your enemies, manipulate the weather, animate living beings, predict an outcome, establish the will of kami, or ask for information. Normally it is used to ask a question. If nothing happens, the kami disapproves.
KOm8E TIL that Russian gold-medal winning blind Paralympians are given cars for their effort, and some of them drive on a daily basis
9YMMr TIL Dolph Lundgren received a full scholarhip to study enginering at MIT but dropped out to become the bodyguard to Jamaican singer Grace Jones. They developed a romantic relationship and Jones convinced him to move with her to New York where he pursued an acting career.
nWDvB TIL that Honorius IV was the last pope to have been married. He was ordained after his wife's death and was later elected pope (at the age of 75) in 1285.