› added 8 years ago

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TIL that Hong Xiuquan, a man thinking he was the younger brother of Jesus, led a rebellion in 1850 to establish his ‘Heavenly Kingdom’ in China. The conflict caused 20 million deaths, more than World War 1.

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9w8dm TIL that Dan Synder, owner of the Washington Commanders, illegally cleared old-growth national park forest from behind his home in 2004. The unobstructed view of the Potomac River is estimated to have raised the value of his own property $500,000 – $1,000,000. He was fined $1000.
Z8a8v TIL In 2006, China slaughtered 50,000 dogs after three people died of rabies. Dogs being walked were seized from their owners and beaten to death on the spot. Owners were offered 63 cents per animal to kill their own dogs before the beating teams were sent in.
6KD8 TIL that when the UK stopped airing TV due to World War 2, the last thing that aired was a Mickey Mouse Cartoon. After the war, the first show that played was the same Mickey Mouse cartoon.
oBwVL TIL that up to 1921, the winners of the previous year's Championship at Wimbledon were automatically granted byes into the final round. This led to many winners retaining their titles in successive years, as they were able to rest while their opponent competed from the start of the tournament.
WMGA TIL that during the 50’s a Russian scientist started an experiment with foxes designed to replicate the domestication of wolves. The experiment has continued to this day where 70-80% of the foxes now behave similarly to dogs, but retain the physical features of foxes.