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TIL that, in 1818, an Englishman accused of murder demanded a trial by combat. Surprisingly, the law that allowed for trial by combat was still valid, and the man was acquitted when his accuser declined the offer of battle. Trial by combat was abolished the following year.

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R5xo4 TIL A boy dying of an incurable illness wanted to meet Luke Skywalker (in character). His mental state devolved to the point where he did not realise Luke was fictional. Mark Hamill agreed to dress up in character and meet the boy. He spent hours answering questions.
4kMeo TIL that in 1992 Detroit News compared a theoretical performance of Godzilla unleashed upon 1972 Detroit in Sim City to the outcome of two decades of rule by mayor Coleman Young and came to a conclusion that Detroit would be better off with the monster
40eb TIL James Cameron originally did not want Titanic to have a theme song. Composer James Horner got Celine Dion to record the song ‘My Heart Will Go On’ in secret. Dion disliked the song and only one take was done, this demo version was eventually used and Dion has never recorded the song again.
dDY6K TIL that The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly For A White Guy” uses the same sample in the beginning as Def Leppard’s “Rock Of Ages”
R70ol TIL that November 1 is National Jealousy Day in Finland where the taxable income of all citizens is released to the public who can see what everyone, from colleagues to celebs to execs, have paid tax on.