› added 4 months ago

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TIL that while there are still traditional blimps in use, as of 2017, the "Goodyear Blimps" are actually a type of modern semi-rigid Zeppelin, manufactured by the Zeppelin NT corporation.

DXVP TIL that dumping golf balls into the sea is outlawed because the plastic does not break down. A professor at the University of Maine used ground-up lobster shells and other materials to develop biodegradable golf balls. These balls are intended for use on cruise ships or driving ranges by the ocean.
ddoQ TIL that some scorpions can shed their tail in order to escape a predator… but doing so also removes their anus (which is found in the tail!) and renders them unable to poop. They can live this way for another eight months.
D146v TIL in 1984 an animator named Jim Jenkins had a rough breakup and suffered injuries in a biking accident. He gained a new outlook on life and desired a world “where there is no overdue rent and no delinquent phone bills”. This inspired the creation of Bluffington, the hometown of Nickelodeon's Doug.
Zpl0G TIL On average, people who have been incarcerated are at twice the risk of death by suicide — even years after their release — compared to those never imprisoned.
DQnMY TIL about the Inauguration of the last Russian Tsar. Over 1,200 peasants were killed in a crowd crush event caused by Tsar Nicholas II offering a crowd of 500,000 beer and pretzels to win their approval at his inauguration. In response to the tragedy, the Tsar attended a private gala the same night.