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TIL that one of the few coastal areas to evacuate ahead of the 2004 tsunami was on the island of Simeulue. Due to island folklore recounting an earthquake/tsunami in 1907, the islanders fled inland following the initial shaking. Generational folklore saving the lives of the islanders 97 years later.

E7g0 TIL that Psychological research shows that roughhousing is important to childhood development. It teaches communications skills, rule negotiation, and how to communicate verbally and non verbally. In reality, children not allowed to horseplay are more likely to be more violent later in life.
gMw7D TIL that historically, the first thing to break down in times of widespread calamity is the exchange of food between rural and urban areas, leading inevitably to food shortages.
QNVoE TIL a KGB spy operating in Canada in the 1950's was convinced to become a double agent for Canada (codename: Gideon), but was betrayed when an RCMP officer exposed him for money. "Gideon" was recalled to the USSR and long presumed executed, until he turned up alive in 1992 and defected to Canada.
4XVNo TIL Amish men shave their mustaches as a protest against violence. The Amish were originally founded in Europe. At the time, mustaches were prevalent in the German military. The Amish began shaving their mustaches as a physical representation of their non-violent nature. It continues today.
eG8n TIL Pilots are not allowed to take Viagra within six hours of flight as Viagra can have an effect on color vision and they see the world with a bluish tinge for several hours