› added 10 years ago

64

TIL that in ancient Rome, after a person pooped, a communal sponge was used to wipe. The sponge was then rinsed in a bucket of salt water before being used by the next person.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

VMokQ TIL that the rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs extends to their families- daughters Jennifer Gates and Eve Jobs are also equestrian rivals, having competed against each other show jumping.
VeYZ TIL that the Honeybee is probably the smartest insect species existing, their unusual and impressive skill set include: “Advanced symbolic communication, language, facial recognition, number use, observation and mimicry, understanding of rules, and high-level problem-solving.”
eJkg TIL Some mines are set to explode in response to changes in magnetic and acoustic fields. Sailors on minesweepers are not allowed to have wire coat-hangers because they could kill their magnetic signature and set off a mine.
rRm61 TIL: Rebecca Black donated the proceeds from her video "Friday" to charity
QWX TIL that Harriet Tubman carried a gun to stop runaway slaves from going back to the plantation in order to keep the underground railroad safe.