› added 6 years ago

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TIL Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. in 1867 for $7 million, mainly due to lack of resources and in fear of losing it to the UK should a war break out between the two countries

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loJbr TIL of the marquis de Favras, who upon reading his death sentence, remarked "I see that you have made three spelling mistakes"
erZk TIL that above 19,200m (63,100ft) above sea level, the body hits the Armstrong limit. At this point you’ll suffocate to death no matter how much air you inhale because the liquid wetting your lungs to let you breathe will boil away at body temperature, and is a major reason for pressurised suits.
xQLw TIL a bite from the Brazilian wandering spider can lead to Priapism, which is an erection lasting for more than four hours.
BrQVe TIL that a 9-year-old boy decided he wanted to help the families of fallen US soldiers. He started a Facebook page and eventually traded up to $900 worth of Disney gift certificates, airfare and hotel credits. He then gave the trip to a 2-year-old girl who had lost her father in Afghanistan.
GMyE TIL in 1959 Nils Bohlin developed the 3 point seat belt for Volvo. To save lives, Volvo opened up the patent. It is believed today the seat belt has saved over 1 million lives.