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TIL that a man blinded in the Russian Civil War went on to create an Olympic target pistol so radically different that it was banned from competition after 1956 … also Princess Leia used it in Star Wars

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pY87Z TIL that in the 18th and 19th century, platinum was so cheap in Spain that it was used for various frauds. Notably, they created counterfeit British sovereigns with a gold-plated alloy of platinum and copper. In order to control this problem, the authorities dumped confiscated platinum into the sea.
4XQdJ TIL The Pirate voice. comes from one person, from Robert Newton's performance in Treasure Island in 1950, an exaggeration of his Cornwall accent.
p8ym4 TIL that starting in June 1965, Angus Barbieri fasted for 382 days. He lived on tea, coffee, soda water and vitamins, living at home Scotland, and frequently visiting a hospital for medical evaluation. He lost 276 pounds (125 kg), reached his 180 pound goal weight, and started eating again.
9wKZQ TIL that John Cena is the only musical artist to have their debut album be certified Platinum, and then never release another album again.
Kp84 TIL In Iceland they exchange books in the days before Christmas and spend Christmas Eve reading them and eating chocolate.