› added 7 years ago

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Today I learned about Zura Karuhimbi, a 'witch' who saved over 100 people during the Rwandan genocide because attackers believed she possessed magical powers.

Read more bbc.com

via reddit.com

dDVMK TIL that the fictional substance "Kryptonite" was originally portrayed as red in color on Comic pages in November 1949. It did not adopt its characteristic green hue until August 1951.
PYjJZ TIL the Japanese invaded Kiska, Alaska during WWII. This was the first time that the continental United States was occupied by a foreign power since the War of 1812.
VB0jk TIL that the Khasi people of northern India train the roots of rubber fig trees to form living "rope bridges" across rivers. The longest such bridge is 160 ft long and crosses a gorge 230 ft deep. Some bridges have existed for centuries.
eBAE TIL The snow used for the maze in the climactic scene of ‘The Shining’ was made from 900 tons of salt and Styrofoam. The snow was also used for the Hoth scenes in 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back’, which was filmed in the same studio later that year.
loQjB TIL Floccinaucinihilipilification is the longest non-technical word in the English language. It refers to the habit of dismissing things as useless