Trippin' Trivia

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Of the estimated 20,000 Cambodians imprisoned at S-21 (Tuol Sleng), a mere handful survived. Seven adults and five children are documented. Survival often hinged on possessing valuable skills like mechanics or artistry.

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In 1940, Britain invaded then-neutral Iceland. The US took over occupation duties in 1941, relieving British troops needed elsewhere. This prevented a potential German occupation. Iceland officially became a republic in 1944.

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Gallipoli: A Turkish soldier carried a wounded Anzac to safety. This act of compassion reflects the mutual respect that grew between the two sides, exemplified by the Respect to Mehmetçik Monument in Canberra, commemorating Turkish humanity & bravery.

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Simpsons' nuclear power plant inaccuracies: No glowing green rods, donut-shaped containment domes, or incompetent employees causing meltdowns. Real nuclear plants prioritize safety and training. Cooling towers don't directly release radiation.

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Brutus commemorated Caesar's assassination with coins. One side featured his portrait, the other two daggers and the words "EID MAR" (Ides of March). These "Ides of March" coins symbolized liberty and the end of tyranny.

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Canada produced five "Big Maple Leaf" coins, each with a $1,000,000 face value, made of 100kg of pure gold. One was stolen in 2017 from the Bode Museum, Berlin. Its whereabouts remain unknown. The coin's gold content alone was worth ~$4.5 million at the time of the theft.

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Danny DeVito directed *Matilda* (1996) and showed Mara Wilson's terminally ill mother an unfinished cut. DeVito, aware of her mother's condition, offered comfort and support to Wilson throughout filming. He also cast her family in minor roles.

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Financial stability trumps love for 56% of single Americans. Prioritizing financial security over romantic love is more common among women (61%) than men (50%).

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Buzz Aldrin's difficult personality almost cost him the moonwalk. Neil Armstrong considered replacing him for Apollo 11 but ultimately kept Aldrin as Lunar Module Pilot. Deke Slayton, head of Flight Crew Operations, had final say.

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Casey Kasem, Shaggy's voice, left the Transformers cartoon over a Saharan kingdom named "Carbombya." Kasem, a staunch Arab-American activist, also hosted American Top 40 and voiced Robin in Super Friends.

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Emilia Clarke's reaction to Daenerys's fate: Seven rereads, a bewildered "WHAT?!", tears, and a five-hour blister-inducing walk. Despite initial shock, she now supports Dany's controversial ending.

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Australia's Burning Mountain holds a 6,000-year-old underground coal fire, the oldest known fire. Located near Wingen, New South Wales, this natural phenomenon slowly moves southward, emitting smoke and smoldering beneath the surface.

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Gauss's brain, preserved after his 1855 death, was mislabeled! Discovered in 1998, it was actually pathologist Conrad Fuchs's brain. The "Prince of Mathematicians" met an ironic end.

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Post Malone's generosity on full display in Houston. After learning his tab was covered, he insisted on paying something to tip. A $1 charge led to a $20,000 tip for the lucky waitress at the Houston's Restaurant on Westheimer.

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Minnesota guidance counselor Robert Asp built a 40-foot Viking ship replica, sailing it from Duluth to Norway in 1982. The voyage, inspired by ancient Norse sagas, took 70 days.

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Florida's westernmost panhandle observes Central Time, while most of Oregon uses Pacific Time. This puts them just one hour apart despite the vast distance. The US spans six time zones.

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1982: Superphénix reactor targeted by five RPG rockets. Perpetrator, Chaïm Nissim, revealed himself 21 years later, deeming the act "non-violent". He was a Green Party candidate and remained uncaught.

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TV newborn roles often feature twins. This maximizes filming time (swapping babies) and maintains the "fresh newborn" look, even if slightly older. Babies under six months require a performance licence.

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Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret celebrated VE Day incognito among London crowds. Queen Elizabeth II later called the joyous 8th May 1945, "one of the most memorable nights of my life." Germany's unconditional surrender marked the end of WWII in Europe.

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1990: Truck driver Rick Swope heroically rescued a drowning chimpanzee at the Detroit Zoo. The chimp, "JoJo", unexpectedly jumped into the moat. Swope, seeing onlookers frozen, bravely jumped in and pulled the unconscious chimp to safety.