› added 12 years ago

459

TIL the word “mortgage” comes from French - it means “pledge to the death.”

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BgZWy TIL that the commonly believed myth of the 'end-point' of mental maturity at age 25 is outdated. Recent studies show prefrontal cortex maturation extends well past 30.
woYaP TIL that a blouse with a bow tied at the neck is called a lavallière, a name associated with the Duchess of La Vallière who was the first mistress of Louis XIV. It is also known as a Pussybow Blouse, because it resembles a bow on a pussy cat’s neck.
16kjP TIL that some helicopters have various parts that are intentionally designed asymmetrically, to compensate for the tail rotor pushing the helicopter sideways when it’s hovering. They also have asymmetrical landing gear for the rotor to remain level when landed
rNnrd TIL there are only fifteen world champion boxers who have retired undefeated.
WrkB TIL During the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, education about the disease was limited for political reasons. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop ended up infuriating members of both parties after he ordered that every home in America be mailed a letter explaining what AIDS was and how to protect from it.