› added 6 years ago

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TIL from 1897-1953, the NYC Post Office moved some of its mail using an intricate system of underground pneumatic tubes that shot canisters at a speed of 35 mph. At its peak, the tube system carried close to 100,000 letters a day – about 30% of all the mail that was routed through the city.

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6RW8 TIL John Pemberton died a pennyless morphine addict after selling the rights to his alcohol-free morphine alternative, ‘Coca-Cola’, a formula he said “some day will be a national drink”.
grALy TIL about Ashrita Furman, who has set more than 600 official Guinness Records and currently holds over 200 records, thus holding the "Guinness world record for the most Guinness world records". He has been breaking records since 1979.
6k1J TIL that the American flag is reversed on military uniforms because when the soldier/marine/etc marches forward, the US flag must face forward. It must not be seen to be in retreat, therefore, the stars are actually on the right side of the badge, so they face forward direction always.
N70xJ TIL illegal income (bribes, etc) are considered taxable income. Authorities can use this to go after people with diplomatic immunity since they are not immune from paying taxes.
QJ0De TIL Orson Welles War of the Worlds radio broadcast wasn't widely believed but was remade for Ecuador where it mobilized police and military. When the hoax was uncovered a mob burned down the radio station, tragically killing 6 employees that may not have even known it was happening.