› added 1 year ago

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TIL about government-caused deaths of over 10000 people during the prohibition era because the govt decided to taint industrial alcohol to dissuade bootleggers from using this cheaper and accessible option to produce illicit liquor - with intent to scare general public away from consuming alcohol

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LwBd TIL that the largest cavalry charge in history occurred during the 1684 Turkish siege of Vienna. 18,000 Holy league Polish and German knights charged the Ottoman line, completely routeing them. The battle marked the end of Turkish expansion into Europe.
W7Jmd TIL Caxias do Sul, Brazil is home to a makeshift slum built specifically for stray dogs and cats housed by a animal rights group. With a population of 1000s, it mimics the conditions the country's most impoverished live in, even monetary restraints have caused problems with properly feeding them.
PYXrO TIL Lysol was advertised as a method of birth control (via douching), leading to several deaths
R5gPj TIL I learned test pilot Alvin “Tex” Johnston did a barrel roll of a prototype Boeing 707 - unauthorized - in front of a crowd of 250,000 people at the 1955 Sea Fair hydroplane races. He flew the plane upside down, and then did a final barrel roll. He was not fired the next day, but it was close.
YBRx TIL E. Frenkel, a Russian Psychic claimed he could stop a train with his psychic powers. So, he stepped in front of a freight train. It didn’t work.