› added 7 years ago

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TIL that Josh Hartnett was Christopher Nolan's first-choice for Bruce Wayne in 'Batman Begins' but he turned Nolan down because he didn't want to be typecasted as a superhero, which is when Nolan approached Christian Bale for the role. Hartnett now says that was "the worst decision of my career."

Read more theguardian.com

via reddit.com

16ZoV TIL: A scientific paper examined data from Italian criminal records and found that the quality of Mafia accountants are some of the best in their professions and has detailed and meticulous financial statements. They and their firms also suffered no reputation loss for working with the Mafia.
8aLxL TIL 1996 U.S. Cables have detailed how the Saudi Royal Family members received stipends up to $200,000-$270,000 a month, and when a US embassy economics officer visited the office responsible for the distribution, he described it as a place “bustling with servants picking up cash for their masters.”
D14QD TIL - WALL-E (the Pixar film,) is dedicated to Justin Wright. Justin was 12 when he had a heart transplant and his make-a-wish was to visit Pixar. He survived the transplant and later became an animator at Pixar. He died of a massive heart attack 3 months before its release.
7r7MX TIL During the summer of 1988, Canadian marathon swimmer Vicki Keith swam across all 5 Great Lakes to raise money for charity, covering a total of 253 kilometres (157 miles) in 160 hours and 22 minutes over a two month period.
X09gD TIL in Malta, Pharaoh Hounds and ferrets work together to hunt rabbits. The dogs chase the rabbit underground. Hunters cover all exits with nets. Then a ferret wearing a bell is sent into the rabbit tunnels. The dogs can hear the bell underground, following the sound until the rabbit appears!