› added 7 years ago

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TIL that in 1923 a horse jockey named Frank Hayes died of a heart attack mid-race, but technically still won because his body was still on the horse. This was also his first win.

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wLYGJ TIL The pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal is becoming disoloured thanks to a river which is now too dirty for the fish that used to keep the insects at bay, pollution from industry and a nearby oil refinery, and despite folk remedies of fullers earth mud packs. Current status in comments.
OYae TIL Bayer produces harmful chemicals which may be a huge factor in Colon Collapse Disorder in bees.
6Rxl TIL that when the US Navy refused to provide footage for the film Crimson Tide, the producers waited at the Pearl Harbor submarine base until a submarine left port, which they then pursued with a boat and a helicopter, filming as they went, until the submarine submerged.
l5QK TIL North Korea enlists around 2000 women as part of a ‘Pleasure Squad’. These are attractive women who provide entertainment and sexual services for top officials. One defector says Kim Jong-il was “sentimental when drunk, and even shed tears”
yQLda TIL the kid starring in Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" went on to become Uncle Fester in the Addams Family TV series (bonus he married Betty Grable too)