› added 9 years ago

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TIL that editors will often add fictitious words to dictionaries in order to “catch” others copying off them. Cartographers also do this.

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OG8v4 TIL in 18th Century Japan, a woman farting in public was considered so embarrassing that it could break off an engagement. Some women would employ a Heoi-bikuni (fart carrying nun) to accompany them everywhere, whose job was to take the blame for their farts.
OoYmR TIL that the moon's gravity affects the LHC's proton beam so much that it has to be compensated for during operation
9wQJD TIL American Seafoods Group exploited the "Third Proviso" of the Jones Act through a 220 feet long railway to get cheaper shipping.
YyRG TIL the Manchineel tree is considered the most poisonous tree in the world. It causes painful blisters if you stand under it during rain, blinds you if smoke from its burned wood touches your eyes, can poison water with its leaves, and will cause death if you eat its fruits.
X0p5k TIL that according to one survey, a tenth of those who work from home do so nude