› added 6 years ago

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TIL that in Germany you have 'Wandergesellen'; young folk that travel for 3 years learning their trade. They only have one distinct pair of clothing, no money and no cellphone. Initiation includes having their ear hammered to a table.

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wLlBJ TIL '23 skidoo' is believed to be America's first national fad. Popularized in the early 20th century, the phrase means to make a quick exit (sometimes by force) and was seen on Pennants and arm-bands at shore resorts, parks, and county fairs. The origin of the phrase is still debated.
R7jv8 TIL As a defensive measure Israel installed an underwater pipe system to pump flammable crude oil into the Suez Canal, thereby creating a sheet of flame. On the eve of the Yom Kippur War, teams of Egyptian frogmen blocked the underwater openings with concrete before launching their attack
oBpoY TIL in Tennessee it is unlawful for any male person to willfully refuse to aid a policeman in making a lawful arrest when such a person's assistance is requested by the policeman and is reasonably necessary to effect the arrest.
9wJPm TIL the famous song from early Internet meme Hampsterdance is just a sped up version of Whistlestop from Disney's animated Robinhood
vPeVD TIL a British drinking song, called "Anacreon in Heaven" was originally written for a 18th century Masonic club. The tune was later lifted by Francis Scott Key and merged with the poem "Defense of Fort McHenry" to become "The Star Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States.