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TIL: The Library of Alexandria, one of the largest ancient stores of knowledge, burned down, losing anywhere between 40k - 400k scrolls. It is said that even today, scholars still mourn its loss as one of the largest known scholarly losses of all time.

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jykQ TIL that an orangutan kept escaping from his cage at the zoo using a key he had madr from a piece of wire. Every time the zookeepers inspected him, he hid the key in his mouth!
NXEMP TIL production of the TR-808 drum machine, an early hip-hop staple, came to an end when improvements in semi conductors eliminated the source of defective transistors that was the secret to the sizzling sound it was known for.
mxPXM TIL H1N1 virus (swine flu) continues to circulate as a seasonal flu virus, and cause illness, hospitalization, and deaths worldwide every year.
4ARo TIL billionaire Tom Perkins spelled out a secret message using nautical code flags strung along the length of his enormous yacht. The message? “Rarely does one have the privilege of witnessing vulgar ostentation displayed upon such a scale.”
X5MP TIL that rats will help out a comrade in need. Through testing a two rats, one restrained and one free, researchers found that rats experience emotion beyond emotional contagion. Even going as far to conquer their immobilizing fear and helping another rat in distress.