› added 3 years ago

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TIL of the Burghers of Calais. In 1346, Edward III laid siege to Calais, but agreed to spare the town if 6 wealthy residents surrendered, wearing nooses around their necks and carrying the keys to the city. Six volunteered, facing certain execution. They were spared on the advice of Queen Philippa

4kpoN TIL severed fingertips can sometimes regenerate, but mostly this only occurs for kids and only if some fingernail remains.
JYp9B TIL that live squirrel monkeys were advertised - for real - for sale on the back of comics and magazines in the late 60’s/early 70’s. They sold for the low low price of $18.95. Many were purchased by children. Many of the monkeys attacked when opened. The attached is just one account.
6EZOw TIL that about 110 children are kidnapped by strangers every year in the United States. About 40% of such cases end in the child's death, and another 4% with the child never being recovered. The vast majority of the 50,000+ yearly reported missing children cases are resolved with the child found.
eppPE TIL Barley holds significance as the first grain eaten by mankind and can be consumed as bread, beer, and soups. The ancient doctor Galen recommends dill and leeks for flavoring barley water
yQ9dM TIL In 2017, it was revealed that the current King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, had been serving as First officer on Dutch airline KLM flights twice a month for 21 years, even after his ascension to the nation's throne in 2013.