› added 11 years ago

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TIL many phrases in English come from literal translations of Chinese phrases, such as “long time no see”, “no go”, “lose face” and “no can do”

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Lkddp TIL mosques built within 100 years of Muhammad's life are oriented to face toward the Jordanian city Petra, not Mecca. There is a dearth of archaeological evidence underneath Mecca.
5kmR TIL that to protect the final Harry Potter book from leaking to the public, a 10-million pounds security operation featuring satellite tracking systems and armed security with K-9 units was used. A Scholastic lawyer also physically sat on a copy during flight to prevent any potential loss.
Mln8 TIL that there’s a large black stain at the back of the chair, which everybody assumes is Lincoln’s blood , but that’s not the case. Research on the stain has shown that it’s hair oil. Some of the other stains are water damage.
9YdaG TIL Woodrow Wilson is the only U.S. president to have a doctorate degree, technically allowing him the title “Dr. President”
8eQJV TIL of Stanley Adams who became a whistleblower against Hoffmann-LaRoche in 1973. His name leaked, and was sued for industrial espionage facing 20 years in prison (serving only 6 months). During the trial his wife commited suicide. In 1994 he was caught hiring an assassin to murder his second wife