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TIL in 2007, a North Korean cargo vessel was captured by Somali pirates. Its distress signal was responded to by a nearby US destroyer, which provided medical assistance to injured NK sailors who were able to retake the vessel. It led to an unprecedented statement of gratitude by North Korean media.

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VBYoZ TIL Unilever and Procter & Gamble have been fined $456M for fixing washing powder prices in 8 European countries in 2011. The fines were discounted by 10% after the 2 industry giants admitted running a cartel. Their rival Henkel, who provided the tip-off, was not fined in return.
LkdpP TIL about Queen Soraya of Afghanistan who fought hard to improve the rights of women in the 1920's. She was also the minister of education for Afghanistan and the first Muslim consort to appear in public with her husband. In 1929 her husband was deposed and all their reforms were undone.
a8owy TIL that Neanderthals in Paleolithic Europe may have used Manganese Oxide powder as a fuel additive to add spark and heat to kindling for fires in the cold, subarctic climate of Central Europe. Manganese reduces the temperature needed to start a fire by 80-180 degrees Celsius.
YZAr TIL it’s easier to shatter car windows with porcelain than with a hammer
wLj8M TIL: In Medieval England, women dominated the brewing industry, which was mostly ale. Some became extremely rich, operating many establishments. By the late 15th century, beer brewing techniques from the Netherlands destroyed the ale brewing business.