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TIL 56% of the population of Germany speaks English. More than half speak English versus the native language

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5VeLD Today I learned: New England was originally called New Holland, but after the Dutch won the battle against the Brits over who got control over Suriname, the Dutch gave up their colonies in the North Region of America, and it's why New York used to be called New Amsterdam.
GAZrg TIL Аustraliаn орium fаrmers found mystеrious crор сircles in their fiеlds. The сulprits were wаllаbies who got high and buоnced around in сircles
grwGX TIL Hiroshima’s streetcar network was reopened three days after the atomic bombing of the city
7rmyL TIL that much of continental Europe today (as well as the UK until 1974) use the long scale for naming powers of ten. E.g. in France 10^9 is a milliard while 10^12 is a billion.
ZpPRY TIL John Travolta was first considered for Forrest Gump but declined, opening the door for Tom Hanks. Bill Murray was also considered. Joe Pesci was a contender for Lieutenant Dan, but Gary Sinise got the role. Dave Chappelle rejected the role of Benjamin Buford Blue, thinking the film would flop.