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One of the distinguishing features about pandas, one that separates them from other mammals, is their curiosity. Sure, they can get a bit lazy and too preoccupied with bamboo (we can't blame 'em). And yet, they go out and poke things with their fluffy paws, do somersaults until they learn something new about their environment.

And that is one of the reasons why we, dear pandas, can't get enough of the r/todayilearned subreddit which never fails to keep our inner pandas somersaulting from all the new things we learn. Whether it's bits of trivia related to hit TV shows like "Friends" or something new about the always weird, always surprising Weird Al Yankovic, we couldn't help but handpick the tastiest facts for your curious inner pandas.

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#1

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL I learned that the the town of Boring (Oregon, US) established relationship with village of Dull (Scotland, UK) in 2012; the following year they were joined with the Shire of Bland (New South Wales, AU) to form the League of Extraordinary Communities.

lev_lafayette Report

Final score:
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For many people, maintaining curiosity and continuously learning new things can be a lifelong journey. By now, it’s probably not a secret to most of you that new experiences, like visiting new places or trying something out for the first time, make it feel like time slows down. Or as one headline of a scientific article brilliantly put it: "It's like you're Doctor Strange, but only in your head."

The feeling of discovering something you didn't know before, in other words, can be deeply rewarding and satisfying. As we noted in one of our previous articles, our brain rewards us for learning or achieving small things with dopamine, which, although addicting, can give enough encouragement for those "Duolingo" streaks.
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#2

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL during World War II, Papua New Guinean ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ carried 750 wounded up/down the Kokoda Trail. They prioritized feeding patients & built shelter with 4 sleeping on each side at night. No known injured soldier was ever abandoned by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, even during heavy combat.

melancholic_inertia Report

Final score:
433points
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Another great reason why we can't get enough of communities such as r/todayilearned is the ability to open up new worlds and perspectives. Whether you're exploring a new subject area, reading about a historical event, or delving into a scientific discovery - just take a look at the top facts of today - learning new information can help you to better understand the world around you and the people in it.

Of course, being curious and hungry for knowledge can often challenge our assumptions and beliefs, prompting us to reconsider opinions and expand our understanding of different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Do you remember what it was like to unlearn that the poor ol' Pluto is not worthy enough to be considered a full-sized planet like its ball-shaped contemporaries?
#3

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL after the fires that followed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many insurance companies tried to avoid covering the losses, except for Lloyd's of London: "Pay all of our policyholders in full, irrespective of the terms of their policies." This cemented Lloyd's reputation in the U.S.

A-dab Report

Final score:
431points
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#4

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL of Solomon Islander Jacob C. Vouza. During WW2, he was captured by the Japanese during the Guadalcanal Campaign, tied to a tree, bayoneted, and left for dead. He then chewed through the ropes with his teeth and made his way to American lines warning them about an impending attack. He survived.

HeartachetoHouston Report

Final score:
406points
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#5

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that while 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson peaked at #3 in Australia, 'Eat It' by Weird Al Yankovic peaked at #1

Nvjds Report

Final score:
357points
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It's no surprise, then, that curiosity has been described as the driving force behind scientific and technological advancement. The desire to understand the unknown and discover new truths about the world has led to some of the most significant breakthroughs in human history. From the discovery of penicillin to the exploration of space, curiosity has been at the forefront of human progress. What else, do you think, put humans all the way on the Moon?
#6

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL the first U.S official coin in circulation, the Fugio Cent, had the motto "Mind Your Business" instead of "In God we Trust".

SuperMcG Report

Final score:
345points
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#7

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL In ancient Greece, men weren't allowed to become midwives because it was required by law one had to have given birth themselves to qualify as one.

Nantashilikestodraw Report

Final score:
323points
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#8

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL in the early 1930s, Cadillac's policy was to not sell cars to black people. In 1933, Nicholas Dreystadt, a middle manager at General Motors, crashed a GM executive committee meeting and convinced them to drop the policy and instead market to black people. Sales increased by 70% within a year.

c1570911 Report

Final score:
310points
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Then again, curiosity isn't just important for scientific advancement - it's also essential for personal growth and development. The more we learn and explore, the more we understand ourselves and the world around us. It's also been scientifically proven that curiosity can improve our creative problem-solving skills. Not to mention the enhanced empathy and compassion for others.
#9

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL in 2018 a mom put out an ad to borrow an orange cat so her kids could have "a lasagna dinner with Garfield" and succeeded.

SAT0725 , lauren_jade44 Report

Final score:
309points
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#10

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that unlike most animals, African wild dogs follow an age-based food sharing system where pups are given immediate access to kills, making older dogs wait before they can eat.

unsw , Mathias Appel Report

Final score:
309points
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#11

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) Today I Learned Roman physician Galen would use wine as a disinfectant for all types of wounds, and even soaked exposed bowels before returning them to the body. Only 5 Gladiators died under his watch.

RighteousFoundation , Polina Tankilevitch Report

Final score:
296points
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Our openness to new experiences and information varies according to the personality trait of being curious, it turns out. This trait is linked to the Big Five personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. As Regan Gurung, an American psychologist and award-winning author of "Study Like a Champ", explained to Bored Panda, there are certain variables, such as the Need for Cognition, which encourage deeper processing rather than surface processing, leading people to want to know more.
#12

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL: The consensus is that octopuses are most likely sentient.

KellyfromLeedsUK , Pia B Report

Final score:
269points
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#13

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that ginkgo trees are a symbol of hope and tenacity in Japan, as they were one of the few living things to survive the nuclear bomb at Hiroshima.

Underworld_Denizen Report

Final score:
267points
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#14

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL The pika is a small rodent that collects plants and dries them out in the sun to store them for winter.

Blutarg , David Kingham Report

Final score:
265points
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"From an external standpoint, it is reinforcing to know facts (silly or random) when people around us give us attention for knowing or value us knowing," Gurung argued. "There is also a satisfaction some derive from knowing the answers to 'Why' questions (not something all share). It gives some [people] meaning."
#15

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that everyone wears Crocs in the 2006 movie Idiocracy because the costume designer had a limited shoe budget, and thought the cheap plastic shoes made by the then startup company were futuristic yet too stupid looking to ever become popular in real life.

DonnieJepp Report

Final score:
257points
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#16

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL about the Pizzly Bear, a Polar and Grizzly Bear hybrid. This hybrid species isn't sterile and can actually procreate.

Shwifty_Plumbus , wikipedia Report

Final score:
248points
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#17

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL a boy was hit in the head with a foul ball during a televised game, rather than wait for EMTS to arrive, Jim Rice Ran into the stands and took him into the clubhouse, where he was immediately treated by the team's medical staff. He is credited with saving the boy's life.

Alien_Overlords Report

Final score:
233points
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Gurung also pointed out that the digital age and social media have made obtaining information much easier compared to the time-consuming process of physically visiting a library. "Those of us who are more curious may go down deeper rabbit holes due to social media (calling for higher levels of managing the self)."
#18

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Christine Maggiore founded the HIV/AIDS denialism group Alive and Well. Maggiore herself then died of aids in 2008.

FingerFlikenBoy Report

Final score:
231points
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#19

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that Wild European hamsters in Vienna, Austria have learned to survive harsh winters by feasting on the oily, protein-filled candles left by mourners in gravesites.

Neither_Parking3581 Report

Final score:
230points
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#20

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that the low cost wine brand "Two Buck Chuck" was created by Fred Franzia, who bought the Charles Shaw name from a bankrupt winery for $27k. Once when asked why his wine was cheaper than water, he replied "They're overcharging for the water. Don't you get it?"

Specialist_Check Report

Final score:
223points
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#21

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Anti-climb paint, a class of non-drying oil paint, was developed in the 1960s. It can take over 3 years to dry, It is used to prevent trespassing and mark trespassers as it is very difficult to remove.

ReallyPissedGuy Report

Final score:
220points
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#22

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that the deepest scuba dive of all time was 1,090 feet, set by Ahmed Gabr in 2014. It took him nearly a decade to properly prepare for the dive. While the descent took only 15 minutes, the ascent back to the surface took over 13 hours.

derstherower Report

Final score:
207points
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#23

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL about “One Night Cough Syrup” was sold in the late 1800s, and it contained alcohol, cannabis, chloroform, and morphine. This mixture was available over the counter and promised to eliminate your cough in one night so you could sleep.

bluntdude24_psn Report

Final score:
204points
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#24

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL King Charles & Prince William always travel in separate planes in case there is a crash, one needs to survive.

Imbiberr Report

Final score:
203points
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#25

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Mt. Thor on Baffin Island, Canada, has Earth’s greatest sheer vertical drop (4,101 feet).You can take one step off the peak and fall nearly a mile before you hit anything.

No_Visit8945 Report

Final score:
188points
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#26

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL of a courtier, Jeffrey Hudson, in the court of King Charles I of England who was only 18 inches tall. He challenged a normal-height man to a duel with pistols over an insult. His opponent came to the duel armed with a water squirt gun. Hudson shot him in the head with a real gun, killing him.

Maytree , wikipedia Report

Final score:
183points
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#27

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL: That scam baiters managed to trick Nigerian scammers into traveling 1400 miles and left them stranded in Darfur in a warzone.

SillyCubensis Report

Final score:
179points
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#28

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that the famous dish: tikka masala - is British, not Indian and it was invented in the 70’s, not some cultural cuisine that’s been around for ages.

Sad_Platform9466 , Sad_Platform9466 Report

Final score:
178points
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#29

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that Madame Tussaud's skill at making wax replicas of people is what saved her from the French Revolution's Guillotine.

Skogula Report

Final score:
171points
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#30

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL in 1656 Boston, a ship's captain was sentenced to sit in the stocks for two hours because he had engaged in "lewd and unseemly behavior" on the Sabbath. Upon arriving home on a Sunday after a three-year voyage at sea, Captain Kemble had kissed his wife

Brutal_Deluxe_ Report

Final score:
170points
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#31

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL about Troy Hurtubise, a Canadian man who built multiple suits of armor to study grizzly bears up close in nature. He'd test these by having his friends hit him with 2x4s or drive trucks into him.

Murasaki-312 Report

Final score:
167points
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#32

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that the Voynich Manuscript, a a 240-page medieval codex written by an unknown author, in an unknown language, and illustrated with unknown plants, strange creatures, and naked women, was radiocarbon dated to the early 15th century. Despite 600 years of study it has never been deciphered.

Federal_Radish_1421 Report

Final score:
164points
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#33

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Eleanor Roosevelt's maiden name was Roosevelt. Her husband, Franklin, was her fifth cousin once removed.

Xyeeyx Report

Final score:
154points
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#34

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL: 1 in 5 German parents regrets having children and would prefer to live their life without them.

diacewrb , Elina Fairytale Report

Final score:
147points
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#35

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that EU citizen can demand a copy of all personal data that companies hold about them. However, most Android and iPhone apps completely ignore this right, a study has found.

VarunTossa5944 , Bibhash Banerjee Report

Final score:
143points
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#36

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that Kit Kat Bars come in over 200 flavors. Soy Sauce, Matcha, Orange, Blueberry, Lemon Vinegar, Yuzu, Blood Orange, Salt, Banana, Fruit Parfait, Melon, Muscat, Maple Syrup, Red Bean Soup, Cherry Blossom... just to name a few.

OG-FRuTdawg_91 , slgckgc Report

Final score:
139points
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#37

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that a McDonald's in the Netherlands once fired an employee for selling a coworker a hamburger and then separately giving them a piece of cheese, arguing that she should've charged more for a cheeseburger. Courts ruled in the employee's favor, ordering the rest of her contract paid out in full.

c1570911 , Like_the_Grand_Canyon Report

Final score:
137points
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#38

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL about a painkiller present in human saliva called Opiorphin which is stronger than Morphine.

tronephotoworks , SHVETS production Report

Final score:
130points
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#39

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL In 2000, when the cast of "Friends" wouldn't come down from their $1,050,000/episode salary demands, NBC's Garth Ancier produced promos saying "You've loved them for seven years, see how it all ends with the series finale of Friends this Thursday". The cast agreed to lower salaries.

qualityhealth101 Report

Final score:
123points
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#40

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL of Irene of Athens (750-803 CE), the first sole-ruling empress in Roman history. Her husband the emperor having died, she had her son's eyes gouged, and him imprisoned, becoming sole ruler for 5 years, when she was exiled to the island of Lesbos and forced to support herself by spinning wool.

dodli Report

Final score:
123points
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#41

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Bob Norris, the first Marlboro Man, was discovered after being seen in a photo with John Wayne. While Norris was the Marlboro Man for 12 years, he never smoked. He also told his kids not to smoke. After they asked why he was doing cigarette ads, he quit his job as the Marlboro Man the next day.

dlkapt3 Report

Final score:
51points
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#42

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL That the Last Emperor of China was, after being deposed, forced to work as a street sweeper in Beijing. On his first day, he got lost and asked for help by telling strangers “I'm Puyi, the last Emperor of the Qing dynasty. I'm staying with relatives and can't find my way home”

ReCapCity Report

Final score:
50points
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#43

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that 13% of people who receive CPR outside of a hospital are still alive a year later.

hopefulmonstr , pixabay Report

Final score:
49points
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#44

TIL that Japan’s Tobe Zoo conducts lion escape drills using a human in a lion costume. Due to Japan’s earthquake-prone location, these elaborate drills are crucial to prepare for emergencies

RadicalRadiatore Report

Final score:
49points
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#45

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL: Kobe Bryant is mostly responsible for the fall of high top basketball sneakers. Raised in Italy, Kobe noticed that soccer players play in a fairly similar way to basketball player. Kobe told Nike point-blank, 'I want the lowest, lightest-weight basketball shoe ever’.

DrPupipance Report

Final score:
48points
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#46

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL during the Cambodian genocide (1975-1979) life expectancy in the country fell to 12 years.

GoodSamaritan_ Report

Final score:
48points
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#47

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Aristotle's payment for teaching Alexander the Great was the reconstruction and repopulation of Aristotle's home village, which had been destroyed and enslaved by Alexander's father.

Taaargus Report

Final score:
46points
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#48

TIL The creator of Barbie and the creator of Hot Wheels were married.

Imbiberr Report

Final score:
44points
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#49

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL you shouldn’t eat more than 5 Brazil nuts in a day. They contain selenium, which can cause gastrointestinal problems, brittle hair and nails, joint pain, and tiredness. In large amounts, it can cause kidney failure, heart failure, and heart attacks.

HambreTheGiant Report

Final score:
44points
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#50

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that the first national speed limit law of 55mph passed in 1974 in the US was not because of safety concerns, but because fast-traveling vehicles would have exacerbated the oil shortage at the time.

Cheap_Cheap77 Report

Final score:
44points
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#51

TIL that most blackboards are actually green because boards that were black tended to reflect a lot of light, while green boards reduced glare and were favored by teachers who had to stare at them all day.

bearjew64 Report

Final score:
44points
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#52

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that as revenge for Oscar Wilde being in a relationship with his son, The Marquess Of Queensbury planned to present Wilde with a bouquet of rotten vegetables at the opening night of The Importance Of Being Earnest, Wilde’s hit play. But Wilde was tipped off and stopped Queensbury getting inside.

VengefulMight Report

Final score:
44points
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#53

TIL an 1861 Japanese book about the "history" of the United States included such colorful scenes as George Washington punching a tiger and John Adams killing a giant snake.

IceCreamSandwich66 Report

Final score:
44points
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#54

TIL the song "Lesbian Seagull" from Beavis & Butt-Head Do America was not written for the film as a comedy bit, but already existed as a real song written in 1979 in response to a scientific study of long-term monogamous lesbian behavior observed in seagulls on Santa Barbara Island.

PooveyFarmsRacer Report

Final score:
43points
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#55

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL after the outlaw George Parrott was executed in 1881, his skull was used as an ashtray, and his skin was made into a pair of shoes and a medicine bag. The doctor who performed the autopsy later became Governor of Wyoming and wore the shoes to his inaugural ball.

TiberiusCornelius Report

Final score:
42points
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#56

TIL that the 1994 film “The Mask,” was based on a much more violent comic book. The protagonist, Stanley Ipkiss, goes on a revenge spree, murders a number of cops, and is eventually shot in the back and killed by his girlfriend, Kathy, who sees the Mask for what it is, and plans to destroy it.

newmyy Report

Final score:
42points
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#57

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that smoking prevents broken bones healing - smokers have 2.2 times the risk of delayed and/or non-union bone healing after a fracture.

black_rose_ Report

Final score:
41points
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#58

TIL Sublime’s debut album "40oz. to Freedom" was recorded in secrecy at the studios in California State University. The lead singer, Bradley Nowell, recalled how they would sneak in after closing time, stay there till 5:00 AM, hide from security, and managed to get $30k of studio time for free.

waitingforthesun92 Report

Final score:
41points
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#59

TIL in 1975, Stevie Wonder, frustrated with the U.S. government, considered quitting music and emigrating to Ghana. He reconsidered and wrote and recorded Songs In The Key Of Life, an album widely considered a masterpiece.

Tsujimoto74 Report

Final score:
40points
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#60

TIL: 100 Americans a year choke to death on pen caps, but that the number used to be higher before manufacturers put a hole in the cap.

IndependentPair3088 Report

Final score:
40points
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#61

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL Canadian Geese poop every 12 minutes.

ThermionicEmissions Report

Final score:
40points
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#62

TIL Soccer legend Diego Maradona used a fake penis to pass drug tests at the height of his cocaine use. The phoney phallus was stolen from a Buenos Aires museum in 2003 and has never been recovered.

GingerNutt Report

Final score:
39points
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#63

TIL it’s illegal for civilians to wear camouflage in 11 countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, and Zimbabwe, to prevent them from being mistaken for military personnel or law enforcement.

sonofabutch Report

Final score:
39points
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#64

TIL That John O’Hurley, the actor who played the fictional version of J. Peterman on Seinfeld, now owns the J. Peterman company with the real J. Peterman.

merpymoop Report

Final score:
36points
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#65

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL that an estimated 1 of every 8 workers in the USA has at some point been employed by McDonald's.

hbxa , Visual Karsa Report

Final score:
36points
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#66

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL The temperature on the moon at the Apollo 11 landing site was 200ºF (93ºC).

newtownkid , nasa Report

Final score:
35points
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#67

TIL that Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper on Sesame Street, was blacklisted for refusing to testify to the House Un-American Activities Committee.

CapitalRadioOne Report

Final score:
35points
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#68

TIL about the "Loneliest Tree on Earth," a Sitka spruce on Campbell Island, over 170 miles from the nearest tree. It was planted by a lonely meteorologist in 1907.

floof_mcgenius Report

Final score:
35points
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#69

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL about Edwarda O'Bara, a Florida woman who went into a diabetic coma for 42 years after contracting pneumonia. Nicknamed "Florida's sleeping Snow White," her mother took care of her to the point that by 2007, 5 years before Edwarda passed, she was at least $200k in debt.

crazyseandx Report

Final score:
34points
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#70

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL The longest ever personal name was that of a German-born American called Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr. His full, unabbreviated name is made up of 26 names, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order, followed by a 666-letter surname.

mrlonelywolf Report

Final score:
33points
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#71

TIL that while the English language is classified as a West Germanic language, its vocabulary also shows major influences from French (about 28% of words) and Latin (also about 28%), plus some grammar and a small amount of core vocabulary influenced by Old Norse.

comrade_batman Report

Final score:
33points
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#72

TIL in 2018 a flatulent passenger who refused to stop farting forced a plane to land and police to be called to remove four fliers after a fight erupts on board.

motion_to_squash Report

Final score:
32points
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#73

TIL after the death of Bruce Lee in 1973, film industries in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea raced to find his replacement in order to build off of his legacy. This period, later known as 'Bruceploitation', would feature actors with screen names like Bruce Li, Bruce Lai, Brute Lee, etc.

kevlarbuns Report

Final score:
31points
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#74

TIL Lightning McQueen from “Cars” isn’t named after Steve McQueen, but after late Pixar animator Glenn McQueen, who died during the film’s production.

Darth_Yohanan Report

Final score:
31points
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#75

TIL the famous riff to INXS’ song “Need You Tonight” appeared in guitarist’s Andrew Farriss head while waiting for a cab to go to the airport. He then asked the cab driver to wait a couple of minutes while he grabbed something from his motel room. In reality, he went up to record the riff.

waitingforthesun92 Report

Final score:
30points
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#76

TIL: Kobe Bryant's "33" High School basketball jersey was stolen in 2017 and sold to a collector in China who returned it after suspecting it was stolen.

Nixplosion Report

Final score:
29points
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#77

TIL that people with hypermobility carry a gene that makes them much more likely to have children with autism.

DonovanNer-Zhul Report

Final score:
29points
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#78

TIL that the feeling of being awake when you’re actually sleeping is a disorder called paradoxical insomnia and the reason for it is unclear.

NoahTheAttacker Report

Final score:
29points
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#79

TIL that “Stars and Stripes Forever” is an emergency alert at the circus. When it is played by the band it usually means there is a fire and that the performers and circus hands should go to their emergency stations and start evacuating people.

ClownfishSoup Report

Final score:
28points
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#80

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL About Starlite, an insulator invented by a hairdresser that was said to be able to withstand a laser beam of 10,000 °C and was 90% organic and eatable, but despite even NASA being interested in it, its creator took the formula to his grave.

GladiusNocturno , wikipedia Report

Final score:
27points
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#81

TIL that the Moon is one of the dullest objects in the solar system, and if Neptune's moon Triton was in its place it would appear 7 times brighter.

LordTwatSlapper Report

Final score:
27points
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#82

TIL Lynyrd Skynyrd the band who had a massive hit with their song 'Sweet Home Alabama' are actually from Jacksonville, Florida

mintwolves Report

Final score:
27points
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#83

TIL that in 1950’s Britain, it was noted that the middle class used overly complex language in an attempt to be more posh. However, the actual upper class themselves preferred the more straightforward language of the working class such as scent instead of perfume.

VengefulMight Report

Final score:
26points
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#84

TIL there is a cliff on Miranda (moon of Uranus) named Verona Rupes that is estimated to be 20km high. It is the tallest known cliff in the solar system and if you jumped off of it you would fall for about 12 minutes before hitting the ground due to the lower gravity.

HucklecatDontCare Report

Final score:
26points
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#85

TIL in 1283 King Edward I of England had the last Prince of Wales executed and started the custom of giving the title to his first born son instead.

dontstoptellmemore Report

Final score:
25points
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#86

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL In 1987, a Boeing 747 was hijacked by a lone attacker armed with dynamite from a gold mine. After 6 hours, the flight engineer hit the attacker over the head with a whiskey bottle. He was given a suspended sentence and then became a member of the House of Representatives of Fiji.

IntroductionOk5130 , wikipedia Report

Final score:
24points
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#87

TIL In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the moon. He made four swings, “a shank” with the third, and on the fourth swing he caught the ball flush. “Miles and miles and miles,” he said to the TV audience

Hoody_Trip Report

Final score:
24points
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#88

TIL consumption of crickets, mealworms or other insects can trigger an allergic reaction in people with shellfish allergies. This is true even for farm or pet store workers with occupational exposure to crickets.

genericdude999 Report

Final score:
24points
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#89

TIL Oliver Smoot, whose body was used to measure Boston's Harvard Bridge as part of an MIT fraternity prank in 1958, went on to become the chairman of the American National Standards Institute and the president of the International Organization for Standardization.

commonwaytogo Report

Final score:
24points
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#90

TIL that in 2017, several Maryland college students consumed so much alcohol at a house party, that the air in the house registered a reading of 0.01 on a breathalyzer.

ciph_3r Report

Final score:
24points
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#91

TIL "Tater Tots" were invented by Nephi Grigg, co-founder of Ore-Ida in 1953 using excess potato shavings from making frozen french fries. Originally, these shavings were sold as livestock feed.

SappyGilmore Report

Final score:
24points
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#92

Til that Thailand bans the sale of alcohol on election days.

lsmgis Report

Final score:
24points
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#93

TIL the Steamboat Willie version of Mickey Mouse is set to enter the public domain in 2024, which means that anyone will be able to use or adapt this version of the character without fear of copyright infringement.

GruvisMalt Report

Final score:
23points
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#94

TIL that after leading a peasant revolt in Hungary in 1514, György Dósza was punished by being chained to a heated iron throne and had pieces of flesh torn off by hot pliers. His followers were then forced to eat him alive by biting the spots where the pliers were inserted and to swallow his flesh.

Of the nine rebels who were forced to head to the heated throne to eat Dózsa, around three or four refused to munch on their leader. They were swiftly cut up, while those who obeyed were released and left alone. Also among those who were led to the throne was Dózsa's brother, who did not even have the luxury of eating his brother alive, and was instead chopped into three pieces.

György's death, and the brutal torture of 40.000 rebels who took part in the revolt, may have aided the Ottoman forces during their 1526 invasion, as the Hungarians were no longer a politically united people. The result was that for the next few centuries, Hungary was partitioned between the Ottoman Empire, the Hapsburg monarchy, and the Principality of Transylvania.

VegemiteSucks Report

Final score:
22points
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#95

TIL The largest illegal dump in Europe is the Triangle of Death in Naples, Italy. As the landfills filled up in the 1990s organised crime increasingly dumped and burned trash in this area, driving in garbage as far away as Venice. The area's population has significantly higher rates of cancer.

jamescookenotthatone Report

Final score:
22points
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#96

TIL the 1983 film "Scarface" was originally given an X rating three times in a row by the MPAA. On the fourth appeal, the film was finally given an R rating, but director Brian De Palma released the original version anyway, only admitting to it months after the film's release.

waitingforthesun92 Report

Final score:
22points
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#97

TIL about the Lost Children of the Alleghenies, two young children who disappeared from their home in Pavia, PA in 1856. They died from exposure after being missing for several days and were found in the forest by a local farmer who dreamt,for two nights, of clues that led to the children's bodies.

jdward01 Report

Final score:
21points
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#98

TIL that the 7ft 2in actor who played the Predator and Harry, from Harry and the Henderson’s died from AIDS because of a HIV infected blood transfusion he received from a car accident.

gregturner77 Report

Final score:
21points
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#99

TIL of the Order of Malta Passport. It's the rarest passport in the world and is only issued to a few hundred people.

j__z added:

Just wanting to point out there is no relation between the Order of Malta and the nation of Malta. The Order of Malta is the descendant of the former Knights of Malta who ruled the island until the French Occupation removed them, and still lay claim to the island but are now based in Italy.

Joshsaurus Report

Final score:
20points
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#100

TIL Of the Chinese drywall health issues. Between 2001 and 2009 the United States imported large amounts of drywall from China that would off-gas, slowly releasing chemicals like hydrogen sulfide and corrode pipes. The South-East was especially affected because of rebuilding following hurricanes.

jamescookenotthatone Report

Final score:
20points
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#101

TIL - The Onion Futures Act is a US law banning futures contracts on onions. In 1955 two traders bought so many onions and futures they controlled 98% of the onions in Chicago. They forced growers to purchase their stock by threatening to flood the market.

BernieEcclestoned Report

Final score:
20points
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#102

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL legendary footballer Lionel Messi's first contract was written on a restaurant napkin during a meeting with FC Barcelona executives. That napkin is now held in a safe in the Credit Andorra bank.

JimPalamo Report

Final score:
19points
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#103

TIL that, in the 1930's, the only commercial airport serving New York City was in New Jersey. To protest this, NYC Mayor LaGuardia once refused to deplane in NJ because his ticket said "New York City," so they flew him to NYC.

hopefulmonstr Report

Final score:
19points
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#104

TIL Ekiben are bento (Japanese box meals) made specifically for train travel. The meals vary by train station and are typically a local speciality. At their peak in the 1980s an estimated 12 million ekiben were consumed daily in Japan.

jamescookenotthatone Report

Final score:
19points
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#105

TIL Chicory has been a historic substitute for coffee. Frederick the Great banned coffee in Prussia which led to the mass production of chicory by 1795 and the chicory drinks were common in Napoleonic France. Chicory drinks also became popular in Confederate states because of the Union blockade.

jamescookenotthatone Report

Final score:
19points
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#106

TIL since 2020, white LED streetlights have been turning purple because of a defect during the manufacturing process between 2017 and 2019. The yellow phosphor coating was delaminating, and the blue LED began showing through, giving off a purplish glow.

dyrak Report

Final score:
18points
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#107

TIL that in over 50 years, 'In N Out' has kept their menu essentially the same, with the exception of the "Secret Menu Hack" of Animal Styles fries or burgers that started in the '60s.

Captain_Excellence Report

Final score:
18points
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#108

TIL that six American soldiers have defected to North Korea after the end of the Korean War.

that_italian_girl_ Report

Final score:
17points
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#109

TIL that in 1982 Delta Air Lines employees raised $30 million dollars in order to buy a new Boeing 767 as a sign of gratitude and appreciation to the company during economic hardship in the airline industry.

helpmeredditimbored Report

Final score:
17points
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#110

TIL that Rage Against The Machine Bassist Tim Commerford once confronted Buzz Aldrin at a party, saying the moon landing was faked.

EdithDich Report

Final score:
16points
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#111

TIL Kingsford Charcoal originated from Ford Motor Company selling scrap wood from the construction of their Model T vehicles.

MeoMix Report

Final score:
16points
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#112

TIL Jaywalking laws vary dramatically from country to country. In most countries crossing outside of designated a crosswalk is illegal (atleast when one is available). In some countries like India and the UK it is only illegal if one obstructs traffic. The Netherlands has no concept of jaywalking.

jamescookenotthatone Report

Final score:
16points
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#113

TIL there was a Baywatch spin-off show called "Baywatch Nights", starring David Hasselhoff. Intended to be a grounded procedural crime show, it pivoted in its 2nd season to being a full-on paranormal show with monsters, ghosts, mummies, vampires, parallel universes, and time travel a la The X-Files.

Temp89 Report

Final score:
16points
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#114

TIL that, when Cleopatra VII. Philpator (the one we know from Shakespeare/Asterix) was born in 69 b.c., her greek family, the Ptolemies, had already been ruling Egypt for 236 years since 305 b.c., and been there since the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 b.c. or his death in 323 b.c.

mafrommu Report

Final score:
13points
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#115

TIL that Dwight Eisenhower took up painting during the last twenty years of his life and did about 260 paintings including a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

911roofer Report

Final score:
13points
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#116

TIL Nick Offerman was originally up for another role in Parks and Recreation, Rashida Jones’ love interest Josh, who ended up turning into Mark Brendanawicz. Nick got turned down because he wasn’t “handsome” enough.

SappyGilmore Report

Final score:
12points
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#117

TIL that opossums only live two years...

Throwawayiea Report

Final score:
11points
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#118

TIL that, prior to the arrival of the Mayflower, a thriving Patuxet village existed on the Massachusetts coast. An endemic wiped out 90 percent of the population, and the pilgrims converted the abandoned settlement into Plymouth Colony.

WouldbeWanderer Report

Final score:
11points
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#119

TIL that the rapper Immortal Technique went to high school with Lin-Manuel Miranda and used to bully him.

wecouldhaveitsogood Report

Final score:
8points
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#120

“Today I Learned”: 40 Lesser-Known Facts About The World That Should Be Common Knowledge (New Pics) TIL: The punishment of the dogs was an annual sacrifice of Rome where live dogs were suspended from a cross & paraded. In the same procession, Geese were decorated in gold and purple and carried in honor. Because The Dogs didn't Bark and the Geese honked When the Gauls launched a nocturnal assault.

RandomIncursions , wikipedia Report

Final score:
7points
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#121

TIL that Big Ben is leaning to one side and may eventually become unstable. 🇬🇧

kkoolook Report

Final score:
7points
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