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TIL "bugger" was first used to describe "Bulgarian" heretics during the Albigensian Crusade. Many sympathized with the victims of the crusade because of their moral purity, so the Catholic clergy launched a vilifying campaign against them, associating them with unorthodox sexual practices and sodomy

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QRjM TIL that after the Muhammed cartoons controversy, an Iranian newspaper launched the ‘Holocaust Cartoon Competition’ to denounce “Western hypocrisy on freedom of speech”. The Danish journalist behind Muhammed cartoons said they’ll publish the Holocaust cartoons but he was ultimately fired.
pOZp TIL after opening of the New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, a rumor came about that the Bridge was unstable and was going to collapse. To prove it was safe, P.T. Barnum led 21 elephants across it on May 17, 1884.
WkOlN TIL During the American Revolutionary War, both the British and Americans allowed slaves to enlist, promising freedom once the war was over. After the war, most American troops were forced back into slavery, but the British kept their word and freed most of their troops.
kOdye TIL that the Inland Taipan or "fierce snake" is the most venomous snake in the world. However, because of its shy nature and timid nature there has never been a recorded death caused by its bite. The word "fierce" describes its venom, not its temperament.
KBBB TIL that not only do microwave ovens not “cook out” nutrients in food, they can sometimes do a better job of preserving nutrients.