› added 6 months ago

14

TIL about Sporus, an Ancient Roman slave, who was castrated by the Emperor Nero because he resembled his dead wife.

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ANRkl TIL that saying "no" can improve mental health and productivity by reducing stress and helping people set boundaries.
N74oP TIL that Frederick Forsyth's novel, The Dogs of War, is considered a textbook for mercenaries. His novel, Day of the Jackal, is considered a guide for assassins.
W7RwL TIL in 1923, a jockey named Frank Hayes suffered a fatal heart attack and died mid-race. His body somehow remained on the horse and crossed the finish line in first place. He had never won a race before in his life.
6EvDJ TIL that the "drink 8 glasses of water a day" is based on a 1945 recommendation that had no medical basis. The current recommendation is "drink when you are thirsty, unless you are outside on a hot day or are elderly- then drink a bit more."
ryBd TIL that during the Ming dynasty (approx. 1570), powdered Smallpox scabs were blown up the noses of the healthy. The patients would then develop a mild case of the disease, but were immune to it from then on.