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TIL the Air Force operates a secret airline to transport employees to places like Area 51.

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9YGpm TIL the first proto-bicycle was invented because a huge volcanic eruption sent ash around the world, changed the climate, led to famine and disease, and ultimately resulted in the slaughtering of horses for food -- a new mode of transportation was needed to fill the void.
x6Vv1 TIL: In 2003, there was a real Trolley car scenario in which authorities actively chose to endanger fewer people than doing nothing
5Y9op TIL that General Braxton Bragg served simultaneously as a company commander (CC) and quartermaster (QM). As CC he requested the QM for something he wanted. As QM, he denied the request in writing. After a few back and forths, he asked for the intervention of the of an annoyed Post Commander.
P8AZ TIL That Danny Trejo was “discovered” when he showed up on set to help a friend avoid using cocaine. He was offered a part as an extra if he could “act like a convict”, he said, “well, I’ll give it a shot.” (He had been incacerated at Soledad, San Quentin, Folsom, Vacaville, Susanville, and Sierra)
QN4Na TIL Jerry Van Dyke (Dick's brother) was offered the role of Gilligan on Gilligan's Island but turned it down, believing that the show would never be successful. He chose instead to play the lead in My Mother the Car, which is frequently cited as one of the worst television shows of all time.