› added 10 years ago

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TIL that ‘Black Swan Theory’ is the idea that rare catastrophic events which are beyond the realm of normal expectation or predictability (but later inappropriately rationalized by hindsight) play a vastly larger role in the course of history than any predictable or foreseeable occurrence.

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6E4j7 TIL the origins of Chemotherapy come from mustard gas during WWII when scientists realized that it damaged DNA and decreased the formation of blood cells by the bone marrow. They wondered if similar compounds would have a similar effect on cancer cell proliferation. And so Chemo was born.
R8bQ TIL that a man who spent 6 months in jail after being falsely accused of murder was set free when his attorney established his alibi by finding him in outtake footage from “Curb Your Enthusiasm” which was shooting at a Dodgers game.
PYy9n TIL fish don't sleep but most fish do rest by reducing their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger.
vPdY8 TIL that you are allowed to bring your toaster as a carry-on when flying. There is a specific rule about bread machines being allowed through airport security and on the plane as long as the size of the toaster is appropriate.
LkkO9 TIL Kiefer Sutherland was considered for the role of Robin in 1989s Batman, before the character was deleted from the script.