› added 1 year ago

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TIL that boxer Oliver McCall’s actions against opponent Lennox Lewis (including crying, walking around the ring, and refusing to fight) in 1997, that he was deemed mentally ill and sent to a psychiatric ward after the match.

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MegvV TIL that George Orwell's use of 2+2=5 as a catchphrase of the dystopian government in his book 1984 is based on Joseph Stalin's use of that equation in propaganda. Soviet posters declared "2 + 2 plus the enthusiasm of the workers = 5" long before Orwell wrote his novel.
A7og TIL that the British Army does not have “Royal” in its name (unlike other British armed forces) because it was formed in the interregnum when the UK had no monarch
OEBR TIL at age 20, NBA legend Karl Malone impregnated a 13 year old girl. He refused to acknowledge his son and only spoke to him once, saying it was too late for them to have a relationship. The child went on to play in the NFL.
E1nkp TIL of a phenomenon where during TV commercial breaks, a large majority of Britain will decide to do things that drain electricity, such as the kettle, at the same time, thus causing 200-400MW demand on the grid
oRyAE TIL there were no casualties at the Battle of Fort Sumter, the first engagement of the American Civil War. However, two privates were mortally wounded during the 100-gun salute to the flag, which was Major Anderson’s one condition for withdrawal.