› added 8 years ago

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TIL Zildjian, the cymbal maker, is one of the oldest companies in the world. Founded in 1618, it’s just under 400 yo. Zildjian means “Bell Maker,” a name given to the Alchemist hired by the Ottoman Sultan to create noise-makers for war. The manufacturing process remains a family secret til this day.

YpEVG TIL If certain kind of music (such as Icelandic hymns) brings you goosebumps, you may have the ability to experience intense emotions which is because there are differences in your brain structure (Brain connectivity reflects human aesthetic responses to music)
oBPWL TIL that in 2012 Switzerland carried out a wargame based on the scenario that France had divided into multiple countries after a political and economic crisis. One country, "Saonia," hypothetically invaded Switzerland to retrieve stolen money stashed in Swiss banks.
kOwXd TIL that the Aral Sea has been nearly fully drained by human irrigation and that this has happened before. Over 600 years ago the Mongols drained the lake too an even lower level than today.
pgP8 TIL that Theodore Roosevelt openly despised the nickname “Teddy”, and was quick to correct anyone who called him it. He preferred those working closely with him to refer to him as Colonel or Theodore.
ANm0d TIL Elevators in NYC are legally required to have mirrors to help make sure that when you're entering, you can see anyone who may already be inside, so you don't get jumped or jacked by someone hiding out.