› added 3 years ago

105

TIL that 3 residents of the Greek island Lesbos in 2008, tried to ban the use of the word ‘Lesbian’. They felt it insulted their identity, as they believed the term described their own origins. They lost and had to pay court fees of €230.

Read more news.bbc.co.uk

via reddit.com

oMaK TIL California Governor Ronald Reagan banned open carry of loaded firearms shortly after the Black Panthers marched on the State Capitol while bearing arms.
jPKj TIL “Marlboro Man” Wayne McLaren developed lung cancer and became an anti-smoking crusader; Philip Morris denied McLaren appeared in ads
NeJP TIL There is a road safety system called “Shared space” that relies on psychology. Traffic signs, kerbs and road markings are removed from town centers. Without markings drivers are more cautious and aware of their surroundings and thus slow down and pay more attention.
rO44 TIL The CIA spent $20 million on a cat equipped to spy on Soviets during the cold war, but it got hit by a taxi.
5pMD TIL that in the middle of the drought-stricken Tunisian desert, an 18m deep lake suddenly appeared.