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TIL: Among many things named in honor of the naturalist Peter Pallas (b 1741, d 1811) are around a dozen animal species and an important olivene-crystal-studded stony-iron meteorite. Also, the Russian town closest to the meteorite crater was named for him --as was the surrounding land district.

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neDXd TIL about The Independent, the tallest building in Austin, Texas. It has been nicknamed the "Jenga Tower" and the "Tetris Tower" due to the unique design of “overhanging / suspended” sections
KYN1J TIL baking soda is used to legally enhance performance. During intense exercise, the environment around the working muscles becomes acidic, leading to the unwanted "burning" sensation. Supplementing with baking soda helps buffer this acidity, allowing the muscles to sustain longer bouts of exercise.
wLnOM TIL Japanese urban legend of Aka Manto, an evil spirit which appears in public restrooms and asks people to choose between red or blue toilet paper after which they kill you depending on your choice. Lacerations for red and strangulation for blue.
5NdP TIL the constitution of the Bhutan specifies that 60% of the country must remain forested.
dD0vd TIL Mark Hamill visited a dying fan and answered every question as Luke Skywalker because the fan couldn't tell reality from fiction anymore.