› added 1 year ago

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Today I learned that the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, were second cousins. So they needed a papal dispensation for their marriage.

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XEjpk TIL about Pierre Levegh, who attempted to drive the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1952 all by himself. He held a 4-lap lead after 23 hours, but over-revved his engine by breaking a connecting rod, causing him to lose his lead in the final hour.
69ddm TIL Nike's famous slogan, "Just Do It," has a dark past. It was inspired by murderer Gary Gilmore. When he was sentenced to death in October he was asked if he had any last words. Facing down a five-man firing squad, Gilmore said: "Let's do it."
mAPO TIL: A North Korean official was executed using a flamethrower.
WRjY TIL a white flag is not actually a sign of surrender for boats at sea. It’s just a request to communicate. Taking your flag down is the universal sign of surrender.
YpNx7 TIL Some airplane cushions have charcoal filters in them to stealthily hide farts due to the change in air pressure