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TIL: The Inaccessible Island Rail (laterallus rogersi) has evolved to be the world’s smallest flightless bird on a remote island free from predators. The introduction of a few mating pairs of rats would likely decimate the rail’s population.

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km51 TIL in 1855, a riot broke out at a circus due to a brawl between firefighters and clowns at a local brothel the night before. During the riot, the firefighters set fire to the circus tent.
OGg1g TIL The Emperor of Japan during WWII, Hirohito officially boycotted going to Yasukuni Shrine after finding out that war criminals were inshrined there. This “boycott” has been continued by every subsequent Emperor & royal family member.
wLKpE TIL When the Americans took the Concentration Camp, Dachau, they Gunned down the Surrendering Germans and took no Prisoners for a Month
KkMB TIL that originaly, the Celcius temperture scale went backwards, with 0°C being boiling and 100°C freezing water
vvrx TIL The Ancient Chinese knew of the Roman Empire and attempted to send an envoy as early as 97 AD