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TIL Young children develop "theory of mind" earlier if they know two languages, and in older people, bilingualism can postpone the onset of dementia. Researchers say the statement that learning languages makes people smarter has a sound scientific basis.

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9Yjar TIL the Statue of Liberty almost wasn't built in New York because the governor wouldn't use city funds to build its pedestal, but Joseph Pulitzer's newspaper articles inspired 160,000 people to donate. Though a majority of donations were less than $1, they raised over $100,000 in just five months.
Z8REQ TIL : With Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray, besides making his debut, was also the first person to use a teaser advertising campaign before it hit the theatres.
Y7x5x TIL Bruce Springsteen did not pay his taxes until he was put on the cover of Time Magazine in 1975. He then spent the next few years paying off his taxes, leaving him with only $20,000 on his 30th birthday despite multiple best-selling records and tours.
KOwvB TIL that Gandalf and Saruman are not human, but actually part of a race of beings called the Maiar. They were part of a group sent by the Valar (basically gods) to help elves and men fight against Sauron (also Maia). In fact, the Maiar came into existence at the beginning of time like the Valar.
ApEo TIL that the Ziryab (789-857 AD) was a Persian polymath: a poet, musician, singer, cosmetologist, fashion designer, celebrity, trendsetter, strategist, astronomer, botanis, geographer and former slave. Most people have never heard of Ziryab, yet at least two of his innovations remain to this day.