› added 9 years ago

286

TIL a simple equation called Dawes Formula is very accurate at predicting success of marriages - “frequency of lovemaking minus frequency of quarrels”. A positive difference predicts marital happiness, a negative one unhappiness.

Read more nybooks.com

via reddit.com

6EErY TIL that a man Caligula recalled from exile told the emperor that he had been praying for the death of the previous emperor, Tiberius. After considering this, Caligula concluded that all the people he had exiled must therefore be praying for his own death, so he had them executed en masse.
W7Qm9 TIL the movie, "The Accused" (1988) staring Jodie Foster was based on the real life events of Cheryl Araujo, who a few years after the event, tragically died in a car accident under suspicious circumstances.
kpDd TIL that many scientists have suggested that complete eradication of mosquitoes would not have serious ecological consequences
epveL TIL an endocrinologist irradiated the testicles of Oregon and Washington prisoners. He gave them $5/mo, and $100 when they had to receive a vasectomy upon conclusion of the trial. The surgeon said it was necessary to "keep from contaminating the general population with radiation-induced mutants"
newNb TIL Abraham Lincoln's interest in law starts at the bottom of a barrel. Lincoln was running a store when he bought a barrel full of rubbish from a traveler. Upon emptying the barrel Lincoln found a complete set of 'Blackstone's Commentaries' which he spent more time reading than manning the store.