› added 9 years ago

395

TIL American soldier Hugh Thompson stopped the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War by threatening to fire on his own men if they didn’t stop killing innocent Vietnamese civilians for no reason.

Read more nytimes.com

via reddit.com

E1jgP TIL that an American tea importer Thomas Sullivan accidentaly invented the tea bag when he sent samples to customers in silk pouches.
78DYL TIL in 1984, 13-year-old Andy Smith wrote to President Reagan asking for funds to clean his bedroom after his mom called it a “disaster area”. Raegan sent a tongue-in-cheek reply saying his funds were “dangerously low” and suggested he practice volunteerism instead to solve local problems.
9wpwm TIL that Sesame Street was designed to build up the self-worth of black children through the presentation of positive black images. It purposefully presented an integrated, harmonious community to challenge the marginalization of African-Americans routinely seen on elsewhere in society
kOEPB TIL that Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Biggie typically didn't write down their lyrics. Most of their music was stored in their noggins!
5AGR TIL Brazilian businessman Eike Batista’s wealth has decreased by over 99% between March 2012 and July 2013, from a peak net worth of $32 Billion to $200 million and may hold the record for having been the fastest destroyer of wealth.