› added 11 years ago

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TIL that CIA agents in Milan botched an operation in 2003 because they gave hotels frequent flier numbers so they could earn miles during their stay in Milan

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via reddit.com

gMdVL TIL that in 1956 the USAF used interceptors armed only with unguided rockets to try and shoot down a runaway target drone. All 208 rockets missed, starting bush fires as well as hitting buildings and cars in a nearby town. In total over 1,000 acres of land was burnt but there were no fatalities.
0wplp TIL that coffee is credited with helping to spark the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th century Europe. Before coffee was introduced to that part of the world, people often drank beer/alcohol throughout the day because it was safer than water. Coffee provided a safe alternative to alcohol.
xVeDo TIL Cup Noodles were invented after Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen, watched as American supermarket executives broke up his ramen to fit into styrofoam coffee cups, added boiling water & then proceeded to eat the ramen with forks.
lo1ba TIL Douglas Parkhurst killed a four year old girl in a hit and run accident in 1968, a crime for which he never faced justice. 50 years later, he pushed some kids out of the way of an enraged driver on a baseball field, but was struck and killed himself.
E1VMP TIL wild bottlenose dolphins can have bold and shy personalities just like people according to studies. Such differing personality traits were shown to be key to their survival because it was observed how these play into social cohesion, communication and taking chances to secure food resources.