› added 5 years ago

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TIL viruses are considered by some to be a life form, although they lack key characteristics that are generally considered necessary to count as life. Because they possess some but not all such qualities, viruses have been described as "organisms at the edge of life."

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nWGmP TIL Beryl Markham, a British-born Kenyan aviator, adventurer, and author, was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west (1936). Her memoir, West with the Night, was lauded by Hemingway and is celebrated for its lyrical writing, tales of African landscapes and flying escapades
xjQw TIL in the 3rd Century BC a ship was built by the Egyptian Pharaoh that could carry up to 7400 men. It is considered by some to be the largest human powered vessel ever built.
ny0d TIL In 2009 Jim Barksdale completed a nearly straight 300 million dollar fiber-optic link between Chicago and NYC. By shaving 3ms off the previously fastest connection, Barksdale can charge 8 to 10 times the going rate because any trading algorithm not operating on his network is at a disadvantage.
b9jjQ TIL That according to old danish law, any dane is entitled to beat any swede with a stick, if they try to cross öresund when its frozen. And yes, specifically with a stick.
lo7jN TIL Shavarsh Karapetyan, a retired Professional Swimmer, saved 20 people that got trapped in frigid, sewage infested waters. His career as a professional swimmer ended after this heroic act due to 2 sided pneumonia and blood contamination that put him in a coma. Now he sells shoes for a living.