› added 7 years ago

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TIL of “Shifting Baseline Syndrome”, where each generation uses previous reference points as baselines despite those points representing significant changes from even earlier states. Each generation defines the “natural” state differently, and large changes over time often go unnoticed.

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WvK8 TIL The attempt to create a punctuation mark for irony and sarcasm has lasted since the 14th century and we still haven’t agreed on one. An agreement is coming any day now ⸮
N7wPb TIL Dr. Seuss adopted his pen name after being caught drinking gin in his room during Prohibition. The dean insisted he resign from the Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern magazine where he was editor-in-chief, but he continued writing using the Seuss pseudonym.
bn4E TIL a company was making a pill that prevented ejaculations but kept orgasms and helped prevent HIV but development is in hiatus bc of lack of funds
vPpmr TIL While leather is edible, largely containing 60–70% water and 30–35% protein, only leathers that are either untanned or vegetable-tanned can be eaten. Leathers tanned by chemicals like in shoes, wallets, and luggage will not be edible.
wLkVo TIL that a Spanish government worker was absent from work for six years but continued receiving a salary of $41,500 annually and his bosses only found out when he was eligible for a long service award. He retired in the end.