/f/todayilearned
Submitted by trinerr t3_yf3z0b
TIL when it was discovered in 1963 that the Winchester manuscript of Le Morte d'Arthur was indeed Thomas Malory's, John Steinbeck caught wind of it and decided to translate it into modern English. Ultimately he abandoned the project, but what remained was published after his death.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by psgamemaster t3_yf4wx3
TIL researchers at the University of Georgia have built a device named the "Wasp Hound", which contains a parasitic wasp species trained to recognize various odors like explosives or drugs. The wasps are tracked by a computer which triggers an alarm when enough wasps seemingly focus in on a scent.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by The_Critical_Cynic t3_1001i3q
TIL in 1945 whilst firing at a kite for anti-aircraft practice, the gunners on Brazilian cruiser Bahia accidentally hit the ship's depth charges, causing an explosion that sank her. Survivors endured days of no food, high temperatures, and full exposure to the sun until they were rescued
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by holyhesh t3_zxtjkt
TIL of Jeanne de-Valois-Saint-Rémy, a frenchwoman con-artist who tricked a Cardinal into buying a $15.1m diamond necklace pretending to be a confident of Marie Antoinette. This led to irreparable reputational harm to the Crown, bringing further support to the French Revolution.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by DoctorKynes t3_zsu84j
TIL The Halifax Resolves was the first official action by the American Colonies calling for independence. On April 12, 1776, North Carolina allowed their delegates to vote for independence, however action only came when Virginia adopted the Lee Resolution calling for independence.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by jamescookenotthatone t3_z0y0gm