› added 13 years ago

561

TIL that AIDS was originally called GRID, short for Gay Related Immune Deficiency

Read more nytimes.com

via reddit.com

eeVJ TIL that from 1787 through 1912, the US never went more than 15 years without adding a state. Then 47 years passed before Alaska joined the union and we are now in the longest period in US history without a state being added (54 years).
BVZr TIL Most cheerleading apparel and equipment brands in the USA are owned by just one company, which also owns almost all of the regulatory bodies, and also runs the national competitions.
awgQ9 TIL A good portion of the pre-recorded laugh tracks you hear are from the 1940s and 50s, so when there’s a funny moment on a sitcom there’s a good chance you’re hearing lots of dead people laugh.
8e09X TIL the 22nd Amendment, in addition to limiting the president to two terms, also states that, if the president's successor serves for more than two years in their first term, they can only be re-elected once.
awZNN TIL the Golden Age of Piracy, between 1650s & 1730s happened because of: more valuable cargo being shipped over vast ocean areas; reduced European navies; & corrupt officials in overseas colonies.