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TIL in the 1870s, an 11 time Mexican President exiled to Staten Island, partnered with New Jersey inventor to sell gum to fund an army to return to power once more. After he gave up and returned to Mexico, his partner went on to create what we know as chewing gum sticks today.

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dD79Q TIL of the first recorded purpose-built haunted house attraction--the Orton and Spooner Ghost House, which opened in 1915 in Liphook, England. Closely resembling a carnival fun house, it was powered by steam. It still exists in the Hollycombe Steam Collection.
5KOB TIL in 2008, when South Korea’s Health Ministry requested a lower price for a leading HIV drug made by Roche, the pharma company refused to sell it. The head of Roche’s Korea division reportedly said, “We are not in the business to save lives, but to make money. Saving lives is not our business.”
p8Q58 TIL that Mount Shishaldin, an active volcano in Alaska is in the shape of a perfect cone, with perfectly circular contours above 2000m.
wLG7o TIL In Halden prison in Norway, guards are encouraged to interact, play sports, and eat with the inmates. This is to prevent aggression and create a sense of family. Despite being a maximum security prison, every cell has a flatscreen TV, an en-suite shower and fluffy, white towels.
JYA1Q TIL about the Wobbly Bridge in London. In June 2000 pedestrians walking across the new Millennium Bridge unconsciously synced up their steps with the bridge's natural movement, causing it to sway more than intended. Fearing collapse, engineers closed the bridge for 2 years to address the problem.