› added 10 years ago

164

TIL: More Canadian soldiers died from suicide than from combat in recent 10 year war in Afghanistan

Read more thestar.com

via reddit.com

kNWm TIL during the Cuban Missile Crisis, French President Charles de Gaulle declined to see the surveillance photos saying, “The word of the president of the United States is good enough for me.”
yV0Dp TIL at the Battle of Marathon, the Athenians advanced towards the Persians at a run, a tactic not previously seen in Greek warfare. This approach surprised the Persians, who considered it madness for the Greeks to charge without cavalry or archers.
4XLww TIL that Republicans are called the right, and Democrats are called the left, because of seating arrangements of various legislative parties in France in the late 1700’s. Supporters of the king sat on the right of the Speaker, and supporters of the revolution on the left.
b6j5Z TIL that Volcanic lightning is a rare phenomenon during eruptions. Ash, gas, and rock particles collide in the air, creating static electricity—like rubbing a balloon on your hair. This charge buildup releases as lightning within the volcanic plume, producing spectacular flashes in the sky.
VM9WG TIL Michaelangelo made fake ancient art. While in Florence, he was asked to make a statue look like an ancient work so it would be easier to sell. One piece was sold to Cardinal Raffaele Riario who upon finding out the piece was a fraud was so impressed that he invited Michaelangelo to Rome.