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TIL Abū al-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī (AD 973-1057) was a blind, vegan, antinatalist, rationalist poet and philosopher who criticized Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism and advocated for social justice while living an ascetic and secluded lifestyle.

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9Y8X TIL that according to a professor of economics at New York University, after receiving $600 billion in foreign aid over 45 years, there’s “basically been zero rise in living standards” in Africa.
PGDn TIL there is a prequel to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” called “Halloween is Grinch Night”, which won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program in 1977.
KpWB TIL that Russia has a monument to laboratory mice, to celebrate their contribution to science
rBby TIL it was illegal for the NYPD to protest Mayor De Blasio’s speech at the fallen officers’ funerals
lowy1 TIL that in 1942, in order to sell war bonds, the city of Winnipeg Canada staged a simulated Nazi occupation which included firefights, political arrests, book burnings, and even flying the swastika over Lower Fort Garry, the city's historic center. Over $65 million was raised.