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TIL that the words in the song “do re me fa sol la si’ came from an old language that comprised of only 7 syllables. "Words could be sung, or played and since the language could also be translated into the seven colors of the rainbow, sentences could be woven into a textile as a stream of colors.”

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gBoX TIL that the Swedish warship Vasa, which famously sank in 1628 less than a mile into its maiden voyage, was built asymmetrically. Archaeologists have found four rulers used by the workers; two turned out to be based on Swedish feet with 12 inches. The other two used Amsterdam feet, with 11 inches.
PYwxJ TIL Jackie Chan is extremely unpopular in his native Hong Kong due to his antidemocratic stance and outspoken support for China’s ruling Communist Party
mndp TIL that panic grass grows in Yellowstone park at soil temperatures of 50C (125F). In order to do this, the plant needs the presence of a particular type of fungus. But the fungus in turns needs to be infected with a particular virus. All three are required to survive at this temperature.
grxrA TIL about the Halifax Explosion, which occurred in December 1917 when 2 explosive-laden ships collided in the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1,782 people were killed and 9,000 injured. At the time, it was the largest man-made explosion in history.
d8bY7 TIL in the first Gulf War a B-52 bomber mistakenly targeted a fighter with their tail gun radar. The fighter shot back with a HARM missile, causing damage, but no fatalities. Afterwards, the bomber was renamed "In HARM's Way."