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TIL that the Lykov family, who fled religious persecution by the Bolsheviks and lived in isolation in the Siberian wilderness for four decades, were discovered in 1978, completely unaware that World War II had even taken place

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P1QJw TIL that during WWII, the Japanese battleship Mutsu suddenly exploded at anchor and sank. The Japanese navy investigated and found that the sinking was probably caused by a suicidally disgruntled crewman.
MeoyB TIL the word “dashboard” comes from the board on horse drawn carriages that would shield you from mud and rocks flung up by “dashing” horses.
RWZ6 TIL catnip….it works on humans. Consuming the roots, is used as a calming agent (Higher-doses work as a sleep aide too).
AGL7 TIL In 526 there was a worldwide dust cloud that blocked out the sun for an entire year. It resulted in widespread famine and disease. More than 80% of Scandinavia and China starved to death, 30% of Europe died and empires fell. The cause is unknown.
8e95a TIL the platypus was initially believed to be a hoax by European scientists who discovered it. The platypus is a unique mammal that lays eggs, has a duck-like bill, a beaver-like tail, otter-like feet. However, indigenous Aboriginal people were already aware of the creature's existence.