› added 11 years ago

79

TIL that in 1952 North Korea once held an “Inter Camp Olympics” for P.O.Ws as a publicity stunt, with some 500 prisoners taking part in events like American Football and Basketball.

Read more nam.ac.uk

via reddit.com

PYMgZ TIL of the stone money of the Yap. The stones are too large to move so buying an item involves agreeing that the ownership has changed. The transaction is recorded in oral history and no physical movement of the stone is required.
awKbo TIL: Thomas Jefferson criticized the poetry of Phillis Wheatley saying it was "entirely derivative and imitative, completely devoid of originality" because she " lacks the intellect of the white race." After which she traveled to Europe and became the first published black poet.
dDwNd TIL: The first Heisman winner, Jay Berwanger, was also the first player chosen for the NFL during its first draft in 1936. The Chicago Bears acquired his signing rights. When Berwanger asked for $25,000 over two years, the Bears said, “No,” so Berwanger took a job as a foam-rubber salesman.
X0vBj TIL in 2019 a pair of knickers from Hitler's wife Eva Braun sold for £3,700
b95Nj TIL that back in Roman times they used to celebrate the new year in the month of the first harvest after winter, which was March. That makes March the first month of the year, and Sept Oct Nov and Dec indeed the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th months.