› added 4 years ago

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TIL that, if extra-terrestrial life is found in our Solar System, it means the Great Filter (whatever keeps other life in the Cosmos from contacting us) is in Humanity's future, not its past. Basically, if we find life on Mars or Europa, we can be certain that our kind will never travel the stars.

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QJwPp TIL of Queen Ranavalona of Madagascar, who expelled European powers, outlawed Christianity, repelled an invasion by the French & British, reinstated slavery and whose harsh rule led to the death of millions.
XvvR TIL that in 2010 George Lucas said “I am dedicating the majority of my wealth to improving education. It is the key to the survival of the human race.“ Two years later, Lucas sold Lucasfilm Ltd. to Disney for 4.05 billion dollars and donated the proceeds to a charity that focuses on education.
kOm6E TIL that Samuel L. Jackson’s lightsaber in Revenge of the Sith had BMF etched into the switch.
Lkgpp TIL Japanese train drivers and conductors purposely point at all the signs they pass as a way to keep focus and prevent accidents. The technique is called shisa kanko and has been in use for more than 100 years.
oRPLR TIL that pro wrestling critic Dave Meltzer, who typically rates matches on a 5-star scale, gave the famous Wrestlemania III match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant a rating of negative 4 stars.