› added 12 years ago

149

TIL firefighters used to dip their beards in water and breathe through the wet hairs clenched between their teeth before breathing apparatuses were invented.

Read more my.firefighternation.com

via reddit.com

0aYp TIL a man took several hours on live TV in India to kill another man using his magical powers. After failing, he said the god he worships is protecting him at that very moment. The man then replied saying he is an atheist.
p8Obb TIL that a U-2 spy plane lands via a "controlled crash" every time because its massive wingspan makes it difficult to maneuver and there are no wheels on the sides (only front and back). When the plane finally tips to one side, the titanium skid pads under the wings help bring it to a stop.
DQO4Y TIL Churches can buy child abuse and molestation liability coverage
0O5v TIL that elephants skeletons are designed to carry weights under them, not on top, and many Elephants end up with deformed and broken backs as a result of years of long hours spent carrying tourists around.
99dm TIL Glasgow Ice Cream Wars were turf wars in Scotland in 1980 between rival criminal Organisations selling drugs and stolen goods in ice cream vans.