› added 7 years ago

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TIL that in 1999 the World Bank had public water systems in two of Bolivia’s largest urban areas turned over to a Corporation in a secretive process - who raised water rates by up to 200%. The corporation was forced to leave Bolivia, but then spent 3 years trying to sue Bolivia for lost profits.

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d86e8 TIL that although our Moon is the largest in comparison to its planet, it's only the 5th-largest moon in the Solar System. Both Jupiter and Saturn have moons (Ganymede and Titan) that are larger than the planet Mercury.
VMkB0 TIL that in the Middle Ages, European dishes were much more rich with complex flavors and spices. This only changed when those spices became available to the lower class and the upper class decided that said spices and dishes were no longer “fashionable”.
OoQ7L TIL that since 2005, Avon, Ohio has hosted an annual duct tape festival dedicated to celebrating "duct tape, its enthusiasts, and its wacky and fun uses." The event features duct tape sculptures, a duct tape fashion show, and a parade of giant floats constructed using duct tape.
W7k9N TIL a Merkin is a wig for the pubic area. It is typically used by women as a bedroom accessory or as a way to disguise their pubic area in films.
69NNm TIL of Armand Gagné, a peasant boy who was adopted by Marie Antoinette. After her carriage almost ran over the 5-year-old, she became so delighted with his appearance that she took him with her. The boy did not want to go and wished to stay with his family but she forcibly adopted him anyway.