› added 2 months ago

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TIL there is enough actinide metal (thorium and uranium) on Earth to sustain Breeder Reactors, which produce more fissile material than they consume, leading to enough fuel to satisfy the world's energy needs at 1983 levels for 5-billion years, making nuclear energy effectively renewable

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Lkevp TIL Jaws’ production woes added suspense. Unreliable mechanical sharks forced Spielberg to only suggest an unseen shark; actors heightened performances to help; J Williams’ ominous theme induced fear. Spielberg said “Jaws went from Japanese Saturday matinee horror flick to more of a Hitchcock"
KrdG TIL The Black Death resulted in a stronger and longer-living human population. Scientists examined the bones of those who died before and after the plague and determined that people who were born after were stronger and more fit.
XEnnj TIL that Jack Kevorkian, a major proponent of euthanasia who assisted in the medically-induced deaths of up to 130 people released a full-length Jazz album in which he played the flute.
lOB1 TIL during WW2 a mix of high explosive and flour was given to guerrillas fighting the Japanese. Codenamed ‘Aunt Jemima’, it could be safely cooked into pancakes and eaten. Uneaten pancakes or unused dough could still be used later as explosives. 15 tons were used; the ruse was never discovered.
RNv6 TIL Researchers let 100 paper planes go 23 miles above Germany 2 years ago. Some have since been found in Canada, USA, Australia and South Africa.