› added 1 year ago

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TIL that in WW1, the British Army would allow groups of friends to volunteer together and let them serve in the same units in return. As a result, casualties to these "Pals batallions" would wreak havoc to entire communities in Britain.

Oolr1 TIL : Scientists tested a well-preserved substance found in a 2,700-year-old temple in Tel Arad, which turned out to be cannabis. Researchers concluded that ancient Israelites burned the plant alongside frankincense, in religious rituals.
4XZg TIL that Canadian triathlete Simon Whitfield consoled a little girl who had been crying for him after he crashed, before tending to his injuries.
WkMbY TIL in 1962 two US scientists discovered Peru's highest mountain was in danger of collapsing. When this was made public, the government threatened the scientists and banned civilians from speaking of it. In 1970, during a major earthquake, it collapsed on the town of Yangoy killing 20,000.
9wVQp TIL that from 1991-1996, a man named Ted Woolsey was responsible for translating Square’s Super NES games into English. Working with many constraints, Woolsey often had to make script changes, such as translating “Damn it!” as “Son of a submariner!”. These are now known as “Woolseyisms” by fans.
jNxep TIL that in order to dissuade Germans from invading, Julius Caesar built a bridge into their territory, marched his armies across, returned, then destroyed the bridge. The Germans got the message and never invaded.