› added 3 years ago

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TIL that despite no longer possessing any territory, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (founded in 1099) is considered to be a sovereign entity under international law. They maintain relations with over 100 countries, had their own air force until the 1950s, and are recognized by the UN.

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o4Q8 TIL: American Indians born in Canada (with at least 50% American Indian blood) cannot be denied admission to the United States and have a special category where they can apply for permanent residence to the US with no other qualifications.
XEA7Q TIL Sir Anthony Hopkins once memorised an entire seven-page courtroom speech and delivered it in one go in the movie Amistad. Because of this, Steven Spielberg insisted on addressing him as Sir Anthony, instead of Tony, out of respect.
6EnL7 TIL that in America, you have to pay a fee of $40 just to have skin to skin contact with your newborn baby.
d80pE Today I learned that the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out because a Japanese soldier ditched during a drill to use the bathroom. When they couldn't find him, they assumed that he was kidnapped by a nearby Chinese Town. That led to an armed conflict that led to a full-scale war that lasted 8 years.
jNpM TIL Lego is releasing a full-length movie in 2014 that will bring together characters from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Superman and Batman