› added 1 year ago

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TIL that the Great Indian Bustard was a prime candidate for the National bird of India, but was sidelined due to fear of misspelling it as the Great Indian Bastard!

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vw67 TIL that the doctor who discovered that hand washing prevented the spread of disease was committed to an asylum, where he died after being beaten by the guards.
W1W4 TIL That the second “option” on the plate of a stapler is for temporarily attaching papers together without tearing up the corners of the paper upon removal
EgMaV TIL Byzantine emperors hired Vikings as guards. One of whom, Halfdan, left runic graffiti on the Hagia Sophia.
D1Jrp TIL the largest sum paid for a painting by Giovanni Boldini (€2.1 million) was for one found in an unoccupied and decadent Paris apartment frozen in time since 1942. The painting of his mistress had sat unseen for 68 years after her family fled the Nazi's to never return (rent paid til their death).
4XyJX TIL that Frank Dux made up his past life, including winning the "kumite", a secret gathering of the best warriors from different combat styles(and knowing the death touch), which then led to Bloodsport(he was the fight coordinator), launching JCVD's career and inspiring Mortal Kombat and the UFC.