› added 7 years ago

213

TIL On 29 September 2008 from one single day $1.2 trillion had been wiped off from the United States stock market. It was the worst single day drop for two decades.

Read more nytimes.com

via ift.tt

kO8ME TIL that, because of microfauna that are technically crustaceans, the tap water in NYC - while safe to drink - isn't kosher.
16DKV TIL that a chapter in Euclid's geometry received the name of "Bridge of Asses" - Pons Asorum - as it was the first challenging derivation of the book and would serve to separate capable and incapable reasoners
dDvZd TIL 2016 was the first time since 1928 that the Republicans won an election without a Bush or Nixon on the ticket.
LkXYp TIL that using horizontal push bars instead of regular door knobs/handles is too prevent a crowd from smashing into a door and preventing its ability to open. Apparently it's called panic hardware
6EvRY TIL of the Sword of Goujian, a completely untarnished 2000-year-old sword that was found in an ancient Chinese tomb. It also has an unusual sharpness for its age. This is due to its unique copper composition and the air tight scabbard it was found in, keeping it sealed from the elements.