/f/todayilearned
TIL Some flying insects have biologic versions of gyroscopes. The haltere is a small bell like structure that vibrates and can account for changes in rotation using the Coriolis effect, so the insect knows its position and can make corrections.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by jamescookenotthatone t3_xtqkb9
TIL Pope John Paul II forgave his attempted assassin Mehmet Ali Ağca who shot him four times in 1981. At the Pope's request, the Italian President pardoned Ağca of the crime and he was deported back to Turkey. Ağca requested to meet Pope Francis in 2014 but Francis chose to decline.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by ChronosBlitz t3_xv983s
TIL that breast cancer used to be known as "Nun's disease" due to the higher prevalence amongst nuns, who were at increased risk due to their celibate lifestyle. An association between reproductive history and cancer risk wasn't proven for about 250 years after it was associated with nuns.
floridatoday.comSubmitted by barrycl t3_xvkjlc
TIL Charles Schulz resisted adding a black character to Peanuts for fear of being perceived as patronizing. He changed his mind after MLK's death and a letter from a school teacher. In his introductory comic, Franklin meets Charlie Brown at the beach.
mentalfloss.comSubmitted by InfinitelyRepeating t3_xxedgl
Submitted by kellenbrent t3_y4z4sq
TIL that Steve McQueen had a habit of demanding free items, in bulk, from studios, when doing movies, it was later discovered that these items (like electric razors and jeans) went to Boys Republic reformatory school, where McQueen had been, as a teenager
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by Ryan_Holman t3_ya8shs
TIL The night before Emperor Hirohito's surrender broadcast army officers launched a coup. The officers occupied the Imperial Palace trying to destroy the Emporer's surrender record and assassinate officials. The plan failed when the record was smuggled out and the military didn't support the coup.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by jamescookenotthatone t3_yajcho