The word "checkmate" in chess comes from the Persian phrase "Shah-Mat," which means the king is dead
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Human blood travels 60,000 miles (96,540 km) per day on its journey through the body.
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The elephant is the only animal with 4 knees.
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In ancient China, doctors could receive fees only if their patient was cured. If it deteriorated, they would have to pay the patient.
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The shortest verse in the Bible consists of two words: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).
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Thomas Edison designed a helicopter that would work with gunpowder.
It ended up blowing up and also blew up his factory.
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The White House, in Washington DC, was originally gray, the color of the sandstone it was built out of. After the War of 1812, during which it had been burned by Canadian troops, the outside walls were painted white to hide the smoke stains.
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Independence for WA- In April 1933, 68 per cent of West Australians voted in favour of seceding from the Commonwealth of Australia. However, they needed permission from the British Parliament before they could officially become a new country. Meanwhile, Australia's Federal Parliament was arguing that Britain should not interfere in Australian politics. The end result was that Britain never made a decision. Consequently, Western Australian remained part of the Commonwealth.
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The first product to have a bar code was Wrigleys gum.
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Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian coat of arms for that reason.
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