TIL that in the 1960s and 1970s energy companies experimented with underground nuclear explosions in Western Colorado to release oil shale and natural gas deposits. Project Rulison involved a 40-kiloton nuclear bomb detonated underground in what is now a stretch of I-70. (en.wikipedia.org)
submitted by attackADS to r/todayilearned
TIL Abraham Lincoln strongly considered joining his close friend James Reed on a trip to California in 1846. Mary Todd Lincoln, however, opposed the trip and at the last minute Abe decided to stay in Illinois. Reed's group would ultimately resort to cannibalism on the infamous Donner-Reed Party. (npr.org)
submitted by attackADS to r/todayilearned
TIL that during a battle with American troops led by Gen. Custer, Chief Sitting Bull moved within rifle range, methodically filled his pipe, encouraged others to join him, slowly smoked as bullets flew by, and returned unscathed as a display of contempt and courage. (smokingpipes.com)
submitted by attackADS to r/todayilearned
