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TIL author Ian Fleming was so horrified at the prospect of his impending marriage that he wrote a book to distract himself. In 2 months he finished CASINO ROYALE, the first in a series about a spy named James Bond.

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AEwB TIL child prodigy Michael Kearney learned how to read by 10 months old, graduated high school at age 6, earned an Anthropology degree at age 10, earned two Master’s degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science at ages 14 and 18 respectively, and earned his PhD in Chemistry at age 22
W7pE9 TIL the will of Charles Vance Millar promised a substantial part of his estate to the woman who had the most children within 10 years of his death in 1926. The ensuing 'Great Stork Derby' sparked a competition among Toronto women, eventually settled by the Supreme Court.
6EwLQ TIL the Maya were not conquered by the Spanish until 172 years after Hernan Cortes first contacted them. Despite no standing army, Maya warriors were well-disciplined and trained regularly. every able-bodied man was available for military service.
wrV8 TIL In June 2014 scientists discovered an ocean under Earth’s crust that contains 3x the water of the surface’s oceans.
XE1Q6 TIL that loofah sponges come from luffa plants; a species of gourd with edible fruits. Once dried and peeled they reveal a matrix of tough fibrous tissues inside that act as wonderful natural sponges