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TIL: With Aliens (1986), Sigourney Weaver received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and although she did not win, it was considered a landmark nomination for an actress to be considered for a science-fiction/horror film, a genre which previously was given little recognition

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nWeaW TIL Blockbuster Video's attempt to enter Japan in the early '90s failed due in part to their business strategy of "Wholesome Home Entertainment" not accounting for the popularity in Japan of extreme horror films, or the fact that adult entertainment accounted for 35% of the Japanese video market
Z819G TIL that sea urchins will place rocks and other small objects on their bodies for protection from UV rays, inspiring aquarium enthusiast Wilson Souza to give his urchins tiny hats.
xVKyb TIL King Tutankhamun was mummified with an erection. It broke off soon after his discovery.
1aa5V TIL the name Vanessa was invented by Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift for Esther Vanhomrigh, whom he tutored. The name was created by taking "Van" from Vanhomrigh and "Essa" from a pet form of Esther.
nkNd TIL the Olympic event that could have been: in the 1908 Summer Games, pistol dueling was a sport. Contestants used wax bullets and metal masks for safety.