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TIL that Andrew McAulay, an Australian mountaineer and sea kayaker, disappeared at sea while attempting to kayak 1600 km (994 mi) across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand in February 2007.His body was never found.

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x6NJD TIL that Magnesium helped advance photojournalism. The first photography flash, a powder mix of Mg & potassium, created bright light when ignited. Jacob Riis was an early adopter and used it to document life in the often dark NYC's tenements. His work sparked public outcry, and then housing reforms
m1Pxv TIL in 1964, the FBI attempted to blackmail MLK Jr and urged him to commit suicide in an attempt to undermine the civil rights movement
OG0Da TIL a jet on autopilot continued flying for over 4 hours after all on board had died due to rapid depressurization. It was carrying 11 time PGA winner Payne Stewart. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien authorized the Royal Canadian Air Force to shoot down the plane if it entered Canadian airspace.
j6Jdp TIL That the Tuatara, New Zealand’s largest reptile, has the fastest swimming sperm of any reptile but also the longest reproduction time of any reptile at up to 5 years.
4Xx4J TIL the largest lynching in US history resulted in 11 Italian Americans being killed