30 Interesting And Intriguing Facts From The “Today I Learned” Community (New Facts)

Our physical bodies aren't the only things we should be working out; our minds need just as much stimulation if we want to be happy and healthy well into our older age. Mental fitness develops our neuroplasticity. When we do puzzles, learn new languages, and even read books our brains create new neural pathways.

Neuroplasticity means that our brains can restructure and rewire themselves to adapt to changes. Physical exercise, traveling, learning new languages, reading books, playing video games, music or painting are all activities that can rewire our brains.

We also exercise our brains by constantly learning new things. Just like these random facts you have a chance to learn about today! So, let's go through some of the facts people have shared on the TIL subreddit in a little bit more depth, shall we?

Like the fact that the law basically qualifies Converse shoes as slippers. Although the tax write-off is a good reason why the makers put felt into the sole of the shoe, there's a comfort reason as well. It also helps the shoe to retain its shape and grip and ensures every step is as quiet as possible.

Many of us can't imagine flying without Ziploc bags filled with our little toiletry bottles. But that was the reality once, and it wasn't 9/11 that forced airlines to ban liquids on planes. In 2006, the British government thwarted a terrorist attack to blow up a U.S.-bound plane with liquid explosives. 

Interestingly, the liquid ban might soon be a thing of the past. We now have the technology for airport security to see if people have any dangerous liquids in their luggage by scanning it. Some UK airports are already more lax with their liquid policies, but the U.S. airports might be a bit slower in introducing changes.

If you grew up online in the 2010s, you must know Flappy Bird. The viral game was everywhere: people were playing it, reacting to it, and even hating it.

But the iconic game is coming back in 2025: the creators announced a new version with new characters, new modes, and other new fun features.

Let's hope they don't take it off all platforms after nine months for a second time!

We like to say that good things age like fine wine, but nobody really knows what the oldest drinkable wine from a barrel tastes like. Experts speculate that it might taste more like the barrel itself than anything else, since the longer the wine stays in a barrel, the more it absorbs oak flavors (vanilla, cloves, caramel, and such).

If you've ever been to Switzerland (or even had a connecting flight through Zurich), you probably know that even a tiny bottle of water can be pretty expensive. The 1974 law didn't actually abolish tipping, it just required employers to pay a minimum salary and not count on tips to make up a part of it. The Swiss still tip their hospitality service providers: it's not obligatory, but leaving a tip is still a custom.