› added 4 years ago

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TIL that Sobhuza II was not only the longest verifiable reign in history, but also had more than 1000 grandchildren at the time of his death earning him the name of the "Bull of Swazi".

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no5d TIL That Monty Python and the Holy Grail was funded by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Elton John and Chrysalis Records, who were all looking for ways of creating tax losses.
wKQE TIL that prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp built a shortwave radio in secret and sent out an SOS in hopes of rescue. The Headquarters of the Third Army replied: - “KZ Bu. Hold out. Rushing to your aid. Staff of Third Army.”
W7ea4 TIL that in English-speaking countries and Europe it's professional for cab passengers to sit in the back seat, while in many Latin American countries, it's more professional to sit in the front seat, with the added benefit of making the ride look like a friendly favor, reducing the risk of robbery
16Z77 TIL that in 1982, to protest Border Patrol inspections that were harming tourism, the city of Key West, FL declared independence. The mayor named himself Prime Minister of the Conch Republic, declared war on the US, surrendered one minute later, then applied for one billion dollars in foreign aid.
VMQO8 TIL that Peter Butterworth (1915-1979), a British comedy actor, failed his audition for the 1950 movie The Wooden Horse because he "didn't look convincingly heroic or athletic enough". However, he was a POW in Stalag Luft III and actually helped in the real escape that the film/book was based on.