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TIL The iconic Slinky toy was created during the development of a device designed to stabalise naval equipment during rough seas. Richard James knocked one of his springs off a bookshelf and it "stepped' down a pile of books.

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dD5Jr TIL The name Elphaba from Wicked was inspired by L. Frank Baum (L.F.B.), author of The Wizard of Oz.
X0em6 TIL Bernard Herrmann, composer for films like Psycho, Vertigo, Citizen Kane was asked by unknown director Martin Scorsese to compose Taxi Driver. After completing it, Scorsese asked for one final section. Hermann agreed, brought an orchestra in, completed it, and died hours later.
ADpgd TIL the philosopher Plato's true name may not have been Plato. It's argued his real name was Aristocles, after his grandfather. Some believe Plato's wrestling coach called him "Platon" meaning "broad" as a nickname. This then became Plato.
g8PD TIL the Olsen Twins purchased sole ownership of an entertainment company in 2004 and turned it into a billion-dollar enterprise.
JYRLk TIL Playboy featured a transgender model in 1991