› added 7 years ago

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TIL that during the Greek War of Independence, 115 Greek revolutionaries surrounded by 10,000 Ottoman troops managed to kill 300 and wound 800 while suffering just 6 casualties. When the Ottomans paused their attack to get cannons ready, the Greeks escaped through enemy lines undetected.

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9wblD TIL the Reagans would consult with a psychic/astrologist from 1981 to the end of Reagan's time in office. Donald Regan wrote in his memoir: "Virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during my time as White House Chief of Staff was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco."
KYjGR TIL that Caravaggio was also a notorious criminal. He went to trial at least 11 times for things like writing libelous poems, throwing a plate of artichokes at a waiter and assaulting people with swords. He eventually fled Rome to escape punishment for killing a man and died in exile.
LQpv9 TIL: in the USA, only the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the D.C. can order flags to fly at half-staff. Reasons for flying at half staff are: The death of a government official, military member, or first responder, A national tragedy, Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
grP88 TIL Finland used a lot of resources and logistics during WW II to bring the fallen to their home parishes for a proper funeral, instead of using mass graves in the battlefield.
vm8L TIL when lead was removed from gasoline, there was a dramatic decrease in the violent crime rate in the Western World.