› added 4 years ago

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TIL that up until as recently as 2008, a descendant of Confucius held a cabinet-level position in the Taiwanese government, titled the "Sacrificial Official to Confucius". The current holder is a 79th generation descendant of the philosopher who died in 479 BC.

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xVpv7 TIL Space Invaders released in 1978 is the highest grossing entertainment product of all-time. By 1982 it had grossed $3.8 billion equal to over $13 billion today adjusted for inflation. The game was so popular it led to 100-yen coin shortages in Japan.
W7pjY TIL about Sir Carton de Wiart, the most wounded British officer, injured 11 times across three wars, losing an eye and a hand. He even survived a plane crash and was captured by the Italians in WWII. His bravery earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest British military award for gallantry
N70WP TIL that Ettore Boiardi marketed his products under the brand "Chef Boy-Ar-Dee" so that Americans could pronounce his name properly.
9wKjr TIL that when boxer Sonny Liston became world heavyweight, he had prepared a speech for the crowd he was told would be greeting him at the airport. No crowd turned up, and this is put at the point that Liston realised he would never be accepted as champion.
xVr0w TIL that crate training a dog is a uniquely American custom that is rarely used in other countries.