› added 4 years ago

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TIL Japan's first prime minister, Ito Hirobumi- who was a great proponent of learning from/building ties with the West- ironically began his political career as the young samurai who burnt the British Legation in Tokyo in 1863. That same year, Japanese modernizers sent Ito to study in the London.

xVmA7 TIL that sections of the shiny stainless steel exterior of the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles had to be de-polished because in bright sun they were cooking neighboring buildings and blinding drivers.
Z84Q TIL that in 1907 Kellogg’s promoted their cornflakes with something called the Wink Day campaign. Women we’re encouraged to “wink at your grocer and see what you get” , what they got was a free box of cereal.
vPBX8 TIL that the Silnas brothers, owners of the St. Louis Spirits of the ABA, refused a buyout of $3 million from the NBA in 1976 and instead negotiated a 1/7th share of TV rights (in perpetuity) with each of four future NBA teams. That TV deal made them over $800 million by 2014.
l5VK TIL From 1978 to 2013, CEO compensation in the US, inflation-adjusted, increased 937 percent, and the typical worker’s wages rose 10 percent.
bN8j TIL Wilmer McLean’s house was involved in the 1st Battle of Bull Run, where the Civil War began. After, he moved 120 miles away to Appomattox Courthouse to avoid further battles, and 2 years later, the Civil War ended in his parlor where General Lee surrendered to General Grant.