› added 5 years ago

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TIL that the A-10 Warthog, the most common drone in war, uses depleted Uranium as the bullet core, because Uranium has higher density than lead, but also because it sharpens itself as it penetrates something, effectively penetrating tanks and what not with its' 30mm rounds. (See video: ~10:15)

8aKBa TIL that people would have sex in graveyards to “laugh in the face of death”, during the Black Death. It became illegal and people were threatened with excommunication. It was thought that sexual immorality caused the plague, so prostitution and adultery were outlawed.
MeJv0 TIL that Alan Smithee was the official pseudonym film directors used when they wanted to disown a project.
R1Yw TIL that Claudius, a roman from a noble family, had severe disabilities and survived the assassination of his family because nobody thought he was a threat. Claudius became the Emperor after the death of Caligula, began the conquest of Britain, and is widely regarded as a great ruler of Ancient Rome
DQMoV TIL about James Harrison, the "Man with the Golden Arm," who donated blood over 1,100 times and helped save 2.5 million babies. His rare antibody was used to create Anti-D, a treatment that prevents a deadly newborn disease. After receiving a lifesaving transfusion at 14, he spent six decades giving
awanZ TIL about the Quadro Tracker, a metal antenna hinged to a hollow plastic handle bought by police in the 90s for $400-$8000/unit. The manufacturer claimed the antenna would swivel to point towards a sought object or person. The fraud was exposed in 1996 and the company executives acquitted in 1997.