› added 6 years ago

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TIL about Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, the Russian father of rocketry. He was a self-educated man, but he developed insights into space travel and rocket science that are still in use over a hundred years later, earning him a place in history as one of the pioneers of astronautics.

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via reddit.com

4XP6a TIL that Wanda Barzee, the wife of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapper (and accomplice to the abduction) is currently free, having been released from prison in 2018
9w8VB TIL that most of the elite archers use unanticipated (surprise) release of an arrow. Because it allows the arrow to depart the bow before brain can bring the impact bracing factor into play. Which is a natural reflex like putting out an arm to compensate for an impending fall or simple flinching.
neJxP TIL there was a traffic jam in China that started on August 13th 2010; it lasted two weeks, jammed traffic for over 100km and allowed drivers to move roughly 1km a day. It inspired people to sell noodles in the jam for 3x the normal price and bottled water for ¥15, it normally sold for ¥1.
G79G TIL that Earthbound has several anti-piracy measures in place, including crashing and deleting all of your save data during the final boss fight if you’re using a pirated copy of the game.
bQ97 TIL that British Members of Parliament are not allowed to resign, instead they have to be appointed in the nominal position of ‘Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds’ which disqualifies them from holding office.