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TIL the word "vodka" comes from the Slavic word for water.

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GA5MG TIL an enslaved blacksmith named Ned invented a "cotton scraper". His master, Oscar Stuart sought the patent for himself in Ned’s name but was denied as a slave was considered property and not a citizen, therefore could not apply for patent rights in the United States.
LQYm9 TIL that the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., is primarily freshwater. However, during extremely high tides or significant storm surges, brackish water—a mixture of saltwater and freshwater will go as far upriver as DC.
gr8v7 TIL: Of the Battle Of Athens, Tennessee in 1946. The Battle of Athens (sometimes called the McMinn County War) was a rebellion led by citizens in Athens and Etowah, Tennessee, United States, against the local government in August 1946. The citizens, including some World War II veterans, accused ...
LEV9 TIL that 30% of people are iron-deficient. Successful treatment could raise national productivity 20%
WkWbA TIL that as many as 8% of male sheep have an exclusive preference for sex with other males.