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TIL: Mormons didn't just rebuild homes for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, They taught people how to build their own houses, then gave them trade certificates in construction that helped them qualify for better jobs.

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rRyZx TIL that American English does not differentiate between 'practise' and 'practice'.
QJl76 TIL In Ancient Rome, the working class would evacuate entire cities in acts of revolt called "Secessions of the Plebeians." After leaving the elite to fend for themselves, commercial transactions would stop, and workshops would have to close.
JYA1Q TIL about the Wobbly Bridge in London. In June 2000 pedestrians walking across the new Millennium Bridge unconsciously synced up their steps with the bridge's natural movement, causing it to sway more than intended. Fearing collapse, engineers closed the bridge for 2 years to address the problem.
R7Lja TIL about Mandate of Heaven, theory in China, according to which the ruler must have the support of Heaven to rule. Moral rulers who care for their people gain the mandate. If a despot sits on the throne, the Heavens can withdraw it, which they signal through e.g. eclipses, floods, wars, plagues etc
4XplN TIL Despite being apex predators, orcas do not see humans as prey and they are even docile to them in some circumstances. There are no modern reports of fatalities caused by wild orcas.