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TIL the ancient Japanese would use a wooden stick called a kusobera to wipe their asses. Kusobera literally means “shit spatula.”

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5Y9n8 TIL there was an early 1900s act named "Sober Sue", who's draw was she never smiled. A theater offered $1000 to any one who could make her laugh, attracting big comedians. Crowds came out to watch them try, and fail, giving them a free show. Later it came out that Sue suffered from facial paralysis.
WAv8 TIL After President Grover Cleveland lost his reelection bid in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland held an umbrella over his successor’s head while Harrison delivered his inaugural address in a rainstorm.
mxVWP TIL From at least the 14th century, belief in a flat Earth among the educated was almost nonexistent.
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