› added 10 months ago

46

TIL The Strauss–Howe Generational Theory. The Theory states that a crisis recurs in American history after every saeculum (85 years), which is followed by a recovery. 85 years ago was the invasion of Poland and the beginning of WW2.

X8Wj TIL of Gemina the giraffe with a crooked neck. She was an inspiration to disabled children and was featured in an episode of a reality show about a girl with scoliosis. Despite her mysterious deformity she lived longer than the average giraffe by about six years.
nWnlo TIL Super Hurricanes (hypercanes) form only in waters of 120F or higher. These extend into the stratosphere and will destroy the planets ozone layer if they're not stopped quickly.
DQx6g TIL the African Union headquarters built in Ethiopia in 2012 were entirely funded by the Chinese government, who reportedly spied on the building for 5 years via hidden microphones and an IT system that sent files to Shanghai daily.
XED8j TIL in 1984, the creation of an atomic priesthood to generate a religious mythology involving genetically engineered cats that would glow in the presence of radioactive waste was proposed to warn future generations of the danger and location of radioactive waste in New Mexico.
7KJO TIL of the “Turnspit Dog” a now extinct dog that was short-legged, long-bodied and bred to run on a wheel that would turn meat over a fire. They were also used as foot warmers in church and Queen Victoria kept retired turnspit dogs as pets.