› added 1 year ago

53

TIL that De Beers controlled 80% to 85% of rough diamond distribution from 1888 until the start of the 21st century

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

jNmaE TIL that until the mid 20th century the avocado had a reputation as an aphrodisiac, which actually discouraged some consumers. During the 1920s, growers sponsored a promotional advertising campaign in the United States to deny that the avocado had powers for inducing sexual prowess.
yV0dw TIL that if you find this bug crawling on you, you should never swat it, as it's basically a small balloon filled with acid and you will forever rue the day. (It's found in East Africa)
lgX1 TIL: The airplane crash in Breaking Bad (ABQ) was inspired by a crash from 1986, the real controller’s name was Walter White
M68 TIL that old calendars can be reused.
WrWL TIL that Hungary had a public online vote in 2006 to name a new bridge. Stephen Colbert mobilized his viewers and got 17 million votes to name the bridge “Stephen Colbert Bridge”. Hungary has a population of 10 million. Additional TIL: “Perl-Script Bridge” came in fifth.