› added 2 years ago

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Today I learned about The Lavon Affair. It blew my mind.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

oBNdr TIL the man who pioneered the use of anesthesia in dentistry, Horace Wells, committed suicide in prison 3 days after throwing sulfuric acid at two prostitutes while under the influence of chloroform.
oB9xK TIL the U.S. version of Electric Light Orchestra’s debut album received its title accidentally. When the U.S. distributor tried to call the U.K. to learn the name of the album the secretary who called was unable to reach anyone. She wrote down "No answer" and that became the album title
NXvGe TIL after professional football player Lyle Alzado became enraged, throwing a helmet at another player, the NFL enacted the "Lyle Alzado Rule” that disallowed the use of helmets as a weapon. Years later, Alzado was beset with brain cancer, believing it to be retribution for a profligate lifestyle.
EZ6x TIL that a Facebook poll in 2012 indicated that Beaker is the favorite Muppets character, beating Kermit, Miss Piggy and Animal.
jNkBN TIL about the Christmas pickle. A supposedly German tradition, where you hide a pickle in the Christmas tree and whoever finds it first gets a reward. Apparently this is a well known tradition in the US, but not of German origin and in fact completely unknown in Germany.