› added 2 years ago

88

TIL that during the 17th century, coffeehouses were so popular in England that they were often referred to as "Penny Universities". For the price of a penny, one could buy a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation on a wide range of topics, from politics to literature.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

ONV4 TIL that Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II owned both a lion and tiger which he allowed to freely roam around his castle in Prague, despite the fact that they occasionally mauled or killed servants
4kMAb TIL there was an early 1900s act named "Sober Sue", who's draw was she never smiled. A theater offered $1000 to any one who could make her laugh, attracting big comedians. Crowds came out to watch them try, and fail, giving them a free show. Later it came out that Sue suffered from facial paralysis.
m1OOp TIL about the Submarine Cable Map, revealing the intricate network of undersea cables connecting countries worldwide.These hidden lifelines carry our digital data across oceans, making Internet literally possible. What's even more intriguing is how a handful of massive corporations own all of these.
Bg4GW TIL performance-enhancing drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are prevalent in esports, boosting focus and reaction time but risking addiction and health issues. Leagues like ESL penalize PED use, while others lack regulation. Many players also rely on energy drinks, raising similar health concerns.
nemOY TIL before his death, author Robert Louis Stevenson gifted his friends daughter his own birthday. The daughter had been born on Christmas, and complained she felt like she had no real birthday