› added 3 years ago

145

TIL that American Troops were sent to fight in the Russian Revolution or 1918.

Read more smithsonianmag.com

via reddit.com

BrO7x TIL that Pacific Bell spent $40 million to put its employees through a training program based on the teachings of Russian mystic George Gurdjieff—to supposedly open their eyes to a "higher-level" consciousness. The program was halted after the Californian utility regulator launched a public inquiry.
KJQR TIL that German architect Herman Sörgel had a plan to build an enormous dam across the Strait of Gibraltar to lower the sea level of the Mediterranean Sea by up to 200 m to colonize new territories and produce huge amounts of hydroelectricity.
R7KRQ TIL Mongolian custom called ´coaxing ritual for camels´, when a female camel is rejecting her new-born calf, or to adopt an orphaned calf. The rite consists of playing music, the melody gradually induce deep feelings and so touches the female camel making her less aggressive and even cry.
M7Qv7 TIL The classic dessert Creme Brulee is at least 700 years old with the first mention in a 14th century cook book. The recipe included a custard cream, over which sugar was poured and burnt with a hot iron rod. It was called Crema Catalan and is nearly identical to the modern Creme Brulee.
dD5LQ TIL: The US developed the chemical compound Cyanogen Chloride for use in WW2 against Japan. It is a highly toxic blood agent that could penetrate gas masks. Truman decided against using it and opted for the atom bomb. It is now listed in the Chemical Weapons Convention and has never been deployed.