› added 2 weeks ago

5

TIL that instant coffee was invented by a New Zealander named David Strang in 1889 — decades before it was "discovered" elsewhere. Strang, from Invercargill, patented a method for producing soluble coffee powder using a dry hot-air process.

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via reddit.com

6ErxZ TIL that there used to exist a pidgin language based on English and Russian called "Solombala English". It was spoked in 18th and 19th century in Arkhangelsk, Russia
DpVp TIL that Goldeneye was Ian Fleming’s Jamaican villa where he wrote all 14 Bond novels and you can rent it for $6000/night.
GaBj TIL that Paris airport of Orly uses software called DECOR, which is employed in takeoffs & landings & runs on Windows 3.1, an operating system that was released in 1992. The airport only has three specialists who are familiar with DECOR. An upgrade has been scheduled for sometime between 2017-2021.
YgDd TIL the term “meh” as an indifferent response gained popularity in the modern lexicon after its use on “The Simpsons.”
R7XDQ TIL gin and tonic was invented to make antimalarials more palatable