› added 10 years ago

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TIL that “jaywalking” used to be the normal thing to do - automobile companies invented the term to shame people off the road to make room for cars (and car sales).

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RpG4 TIL that Japan’s power grid is divided into two incompatible parts (50 vs. 60 Hz). This started in the 1890s, when Tokyo bought German generators while Osaka bought American ones.
R78k1 Today I learned that the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was so loud it ruptured eardrums of people 40 miles away, travelled around the world four times, and was clearly heard 3,000 miles away.
40Wa TIL Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder – the character he plays is an overly pretentious method actor who only takes roles that will potentially win Oscars.
vBXx TIL Wisdom teeth contain stem cells, and you can have them saved in case you might need them.
v1mN7 TIL that in addition to enjoying a variety of tropical fruity flavors in their diet, Tucans also consume the nestlings of smaller birds