› added 10 months ago

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TIL that there is a World Championship for Microsoft Excel, (an e-sport!) which consists of solving mathematical problems and complex financial models on Excel quicker than your opponents. The 2023 winner, 'Andrew the Annihilator', got a wrestling-style belt, a trophy, and $3,000.

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via reddit.com

JYv4B TIL that before the advent of refrigeration "ice houses" were used to store ice, sometimes from nearby freshwater sources during winter, and sometimes from the "ice trade" where ice was imported from colder countries. Often locally sourced ice would stay frozen until the following winter.
GMW7 TIL that Osama Bin Laden’s relatives own a massive construction business. The company is not currently allowed to take on new contracts because of a massive crane collapse that killed 118 on September 11, 2015.
PYoLL TIL Issac Newton was a firm believer in alchemy and studied for years to find a method to create the substance known as the Philosophers Stone, which could apparently turn base metals into gold.
yVWaM TIL that bulls have their testicles literally crushed to prevent them from mating and reduce their aggression. This improves the marbeling on the meat and the reduced aggression allows them to be turned into oxen for agricultural purposes.
N7RnN TIL that famed American composer Geroge Gershwin started his music career as a department store “song plugger”, playing piano sheet music by-request for potential customers so they could get a preview of the tune before buying it.