› added 7 months ago

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TIL that the first recorded use of the term "computer" referred to a person, not a machine. In the 17th century, "computers" were people who performed calculations by hand.

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mx5YR TIL Rosalind Franklin is the unsung hero of DNA research. Her X-ray Crystallography allowed her colleagues Watson and Crick to accurately characterize the double helix. Many believe she should’ve shared in their Nobel prize.
E1QPd TIL of Operation Snow White. A criminal conspiracy by the Church of Scientology which aimed to purge "unfavorable" records about the Church. Up to 5000 people took part infiltrating 136 government agencies in more than 30 countries. It was one of the largest US government infiltrations in history.
g414 TIL prior to WWII, Los Angeles had one of the most advanced and efficient light rail systems in the country. This privately-run rail system was purchased by a company owned by General Motors, and slowly dismantled in order to drive demand for more cars and buses.
vnmD TIL that, to make sure people pronounced his name correctly, Senator William Spong proposed a bill to protect the rights of songwriters in Hong Kong. He would be joined in this effort by Senator Long, and Senator Fong, and together they would present the Long Fong Spong Hong Kong Song Bill.
kJPR7 TIL Anderson Cooper's grandmother had a twin sister who was the mistress to Edward VIII and the woman that introduced Edward to Wallis Simpson, the woman who he later abdicated for