› added 4 years ago

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TIL music producer Scott Storch managed to go from $70 million of net worth to bordering on bankruptcy in just a few months by quitting his job, abusing cocaine, purchasing a private jet, a 117-foot yacht and nearly 20 luxury cars, and having a 6-month $30m spending spree.

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PG4O TIL Henry Johnson, the “Black Death”, was awarded the Purple Heart in 1996, Distinguished Service Cross in 2002, and the Medal of Honor in 2015. He died penniless in 1929 after his wife and children left because he couldn’t work due to his injuries.
Wk0GL TIL that during Prohibition many major breweries turned to selling malt extract for use in baking breads and desserts. It was also hop flavored. One city reported enough was sold each week to make 16 loaves of bread for every man, woman and child.
AaRn TIL During the Napoleonic wars, a monkey was hanged in England because all the Englishmen knew of the Frenchmen was that they were “short, hairy and spoke another language” and took the monkey to be a French sailor.
5V9x8 TIL the first known internet-based crowdfunding occurred in 1997 when fans of the British rock band Marillion raised $US60,000 via an internet campaign to fund a US tour. Inspired by its success, in 2001 the band asked fans to pre-order an album before it was recorded. Over 12,000 fans did.
Lk5Av TIL In 1990 Cesar Millan aka The Dog Whisperer walked for 2 weeks alone in the desert to cross the US/Mexico Border illegally. He had $100 to his name and spoke no English