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TIL before it became male-dominated, computer programming was a promising career choice for women, who were considered "naturals" at it. Computer scientist Dr. Grace Hopper said programming was "like planning a dinner. You have to plan ahead and schedule everything so it’s ready when you need it."

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lobX5 TIL that few months after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The holiest place for Muslims Masjid-al-Haram (Kaabah) was seized by insurgents (and their leader claiming he is the "Mahdi"). After 14 days of fighting and negotiations with Saudi clerics, the Saudi army finally gained control.
yQBbV TIL about Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, a nun who is one of the two people to first receive a doctorate in computer science and helped invent BASIC
4k9D5 TIL: Phoenix streets reach 160°F during the summer, which can cause thermal burns
WkKZ4 TIL Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett) was the second actor to be cast as the Tin Woodsman in the Wizard of Oz, but had to drop out of the cast because the aluminum powder in his makeup nearly caused his death.
pY7BN TIL that Kim Jong-il had a plan to breed giant rabbits to feed the poor. He bought 12. When his supplier asked if he wanted help breeding them, an official notified him that Kim had eaten them for his birthday.