› added 3 months ago

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TIL that the 126 years old Mullaperiyar Dam in India, is considered one of the most dangerous dams in the world, threatening the lives of more than 3.5 million people due to its age, design, and seismic location. People are petitioning for its removal due to catastrophic failure risks.

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via reddit.com

6LMJ TIL of the Yamato 1, the first working prototype boat to use a Magnetohydrodynamic drive (MHD). Built by Mitsibishi, the ship’s drive electrifies sea water and utilizes magnetic fields to propel itself. The MHD uses no moving parts.
ADBxg TIL A woodpecker's tongue wraps around its skull to protect it while hammers at over 1000 times the force of gravity. This protects it from bashing its brains out while pecking.
p8AjG TIL That the Republican Party was the Anti-Slave-Party in the American Civil War
YNbA TIL in the United States, people who turn 100 years old receive a letter from the President, congratulating them on their longevity.
4XGnR TIL the lifespan of the first generation of postal pilots was around 900 flight hours. The job was so dangerous that 35 of the first 40 pilots hired died in crashes, leading to the nickname 'The Suicide Club'.