› added 8 years ago

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TIL the tiny island of Nauru became the world’s richest country per capita in the 60s by mining its phosphate reserves. The country blew it on spending & bad investments (e.g.“Leonardo the musical”). It’s now the ~135th richest country, with 40% diabetes rate and a wrecked environment due to mining.

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d8QW7 TIL that those USB A ports with an outwards bent flange are actually meant to be completely on the inside of the housing
VMY98 TIL The first Roman fire brigade was created to be very lucrative. Arriving at the scene the fire fighters did nothing while a price was negotiated. Failing to reach a deal, the structure was allowed to burn to the ground after which an offer was made to purchase it for a fraction of its value.
R5ex8 TIL: The Mongol army, despite dominating much of Eurasia, failed three times in its invasions of Đại Việt in 1258, 1285, and 1287–1288. Tactics like empty fort strategy, challenging terrain, and the brilliant leadership of the Trần dynasty led to their defeats
jNO8j TIL that the seemingly altruistic “Keep America Beautiful” anti-littering campaign was actually started so companies like Coca Cola and Dixie could produce MORE waste, to prevent bans on single-use containers, and make Americans feel like trash was the burden of individuals, not corporations.
ZpglD TIL that brain studies indicate that women respond better to romantic gestures after they have eaten. This suggests that food also plays an important role in attracting their affection