› added 1 year ago

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TIL that "heat lightning" is just regular lightning that has been observed from far away, and thus able to be seen but not heard. It is not a different type of lightning.

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via reddit.com

E1rY7 TIL An group of archaeologists have found trousers—worn between 3K and 3.3K yrs ago—in a tomb in W China. The trousers were invented for horse riding by Chinese pastoralists and are the oldest known examples of this kind of apparel. The trousers are formed from three separately woven pieces.
dDZNr TIL about Manichaeism, a former major religion founded in the 3rd century by the Iranian prophet Mani. At its peak, it was one of the most widespread religions on Earth. Manichaean churches and scriptures existed as far as China to the Roman Empire. It was briefly a main rival to early Christianity.
rRnGe TIL that not only did Billy Joel write his classic hit "New York State of Mind" in just 15 minutes, but that he did so on the very day he moved from California back to New York while literally on the Greyhound that he was taking back home, out of a sense of pride that he was finally returning home.
yQrNv TIL that body fat has the exact same net calorific value (energy by volume) as gasoline, 9700 calories per liter.
LdA0 TIL There is an alternative to Jewish circumcision called “Brit Shalom” — which means “no cutting”. The little boy is welcomed into the world with a ceremony such as having his feet washed. Over 100 rabbis worldwide now officiate at such events.