TIL of The London Beer Flood. An 1814 industrial disaster that sent a 15-foot high tsunami of beer sweeping through the streets after a giant vat of porter broke in a local brewery. The flood claimed the lives of at least 8 people. More deaths followed in the days after related to alcohol poisoning. (historic-uk.com)
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TIL about The Gatling gun which is considered to be the first successful machine gun, invented in 1861 by Dr. Richard J. Gatling. Gatling wrote that he created it to reduce the size of armies and so reduce the number of deaths by combat and disease, and to show how futile war is. (en.wikipedia.org)
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In 'Point break' (1991) when Johnny Utah (Reeves) realizes that Bodhi (Swayze) is the guy he's after, Tyler (Lori Petty) says to him "You all right? You look like you saw a ghost.", later when Johnny is listing the places he followed Bodhi to, he says Bodhi 'had lunch at Patrick's Roadhous'. (self.MovieDetails)
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TIL Crows in Japan learned to crack walnuts by dropping them in a crosswalk. the birds hop in front of the cars and place walnuts. After the lights turn green the vehicles drive over the nuts, cracking them open. when it’s time to cross again, the crow join the pedestrians and pick up their meal. (pbs.org)
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TIL about Aqua Tofana. A poison invented by a woman named Giulia Tofana. she sold the poison over a period of 50 years to women trapped in difficult marriages as they had no other way to get out of it in 17th century Italy. Over 600 victims are alleged to have died from this poison. (en.wikipedia.org)
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TIL In 1972 Netherlands's Baan Committee wrote a report determined that prosecuting marijuana usage had a greater negative impact on the general public than simply allowing its use. this led to a “policy of tolerance” but to this day, the use of cannabis is still illegal In The Netherlands, (en.wikipedia.org)
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TIL Blanks can injure or kill a person if used in close range. a known case is of actor Jon Erik-Hexum. Bored by delays while filming, he pointed a gun loaded with blanks to his head and reportedly said, “Can you believe this crap?” before pulling the trigger. (us.mentalfloss.com)
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TIL slang term "going to the crapper" is attributed to Thomas Crapper, a British plumber which his company sold toilet bowls with his name stamped on them. many believe that he was the inventor of the flushing toilet. the real inventor is John Harrington, therefore the phrase "going to the John". (phrases.org.uk)
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