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TIL the Christmas tree, though associated with Christianity, has a pagan origin. Pagans cut down evergreen trees & moved them indoors to recognize the winter solstice, which occurs between December 20 & 23. The "magical" evergreens could withstand the life-threatening powers of darkness & cold.

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M7A8K TIL: In the 1950s, the Asiatic cheetah was declared extinct in India and15 left in Iran, however, this year after efforts by conservationists, they brought them back with Dr Marker proclaiming, "If we can save the cheetah, we can change the world" "Or we have to change the world to save the cheetah"
jND6n TIL Michael Jackson is the only known human to go 60 days without real sleep (REM sleep). He would 'fall asleep' every night using propofol, which creates medically induced comas.
ojpE TIL The founder of AA, Dr. Bill Wilson, developed his 12 step program par the advice of a 15th century monk, whom he communed with via ouiji board.
jNe8p TIL in the Phillipines, "some Catholics are voluntarily, non-lethally crucified for a limited time on Good Friday to imitate the sufferings of Christ. Pre-sterilised nails are driven through the palm of the hand between the bones, while there is a footrest to which the feet are nailed."
ADLYo TIL Bill Russell played only 13 seasons in the NBA and won a championship 11 of those years. For comparison, Michael Jordan played 15 seasons and won 6 championships, Kobe Bryant played 20 seasons and won 5 championships.