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TIL about Washington Harrison Donaldson, the real-life inspiration for the titular Wizard of Oz. He was a circus magician, gymnast, and ventriloquist who disappeared in a hot air balloon never to be seen again.

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M7rN8 TIL The Spanish Empire developed a long term plan to conquer China in the 16th century, a crucial part of the plan was to encourage mixed marriages between natives and settlers to turn China Hispanic and so easier to rule over.
wkvJ TIL Mars Rover “Curiosity” is officially designed by the NASA as “she”.
jN54n TIL Joe Walsh's Maserati 5000 GT couldn't do 185 (closer to 170) mph, but the top speedometer marking is 300 kph (186 mph). It was impounded by Austrailian authorities after being inspected for the presence of asbestos. Also, each 5000 GT had a custom body so each one is unique. Links in comments.
xVeWw TIL that on March 13th, 2007, the New Mexico House of Representatives passed a resolution stating that Pluto will always be considered a planet while in New Mexican skies. The Illinois Senate passed a similar resolution in 2009.
ADK8l TIL when you hold in a fart you risk can cause diverticula, pouches in the wall of the colon, to form. These pockets can become infected leading to a condition called diverticulitis.