› added 7 years ago

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TIL in 1933 Stalin criminalized male homosexuality but left lesbianism untouched

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PYPDG TIL that exercise does not actually contribute much to weight loss. Simply eating better has a significantly bigger impact, even without much exercise.
NXe7N TIL that John Parr's hit song St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) is only vaguely about the movie, but is specifically about (and directly inspired by) Canadian athlete Rick Hansen. Hansen was going around the world in his wheelchair to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries at the time.
RMxw TIL The lion used in the original MGM movie logo killed its trainer and two assistants the day after the logo was filmed.
78wRM TIL the modern banjo is derived from a mix of West African skin instruments and European neck & string instruments. It was first recorded as being used by Caribbean slaves in the 17th century.
ENQd TIL If a Helicopter’s engines fail midair they use a state of flight called ‘autorotate’, which allows them to land safely. This system uses air going up towards the main rotors as the chopper is falling; causing the main rotors to spin and generate enough lift for a controlled emergency descent.