TIL the German word "backpfeifengesicht," which means "a face in need of a punch" or "a punchable face" (Visual example/definition also included)
TIL that the US considered dropping an atomic bomb on Kyoto. However, Secretary of War Henry Stimson had vacationed there and admired the city. So, he convinced President Truman to choose another target. Nagasaki was chosen in its place. (en.wikipedia.org)
TIL “Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps” was originally meant sarcastically, or to suggest an impossible accomplishment, because it is impossible for someone to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. (uselessetymology.com)
The oldest musical instrument in the world, a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute, was discovered in Divje babe cave near Cerkno. It is made from the left thighbone of a young cave bear and has four pierced holes. (www.nms.si)
In 2006, an Australian man tried to sell New Zealand on eBay. The bid had reached $3000 AUD before it was taken down. (medium.com)
The world's largest flower is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Indonesia. It can grow to be 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds! It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves, roots, or stem. (www.loc.gov)
Wombats poop cubes. Bare-nosed wombats may poop up to 100 cubes a day. The furry critter collects the two centimeter-sized cubes and places them around their territory, possibly to communicate with other wombats or attract mates. (www.smithsonianmag.com)
The Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 75-200 million people in Europe during the 14th century. It's estimated to have killed 30-60% of the European population (en.wikipedia.org)