› added 7 years ago

135

TIL that using a countdown in rocket launches was invented as a dramatic device for a 1920s movie, then later borrowed by NASA for real life launches.

Read more atlasobscura.com

via reddit.com

bZe0 TIL The relative number of English speakers is higher in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and The Netherlands than it is in Canada.
yVNyM TIL that the London Underground map's famous design is based on circuit diagrams. Its designer, Harry Beck, was an engineering draughtsman, and decided to strip away geographical accuracy in favour of making the links between stations as neat and readable as possible.
wL9p7 TIL that 31% of India's population is vegetarian, by far the highest rate in the world. India has more vegetarians than the rest of the world put together.
VBJL4 TIL that in 2002, under Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraq reputedly held an election. Official Iraqi statistics said all 11.4 million registered voters voted to re-elect Saddam, with 0 voting for other candidates and 0 abstaining.
eOQ6 TIL Hitler had a relative called “Paddy Hitler” who ended up joining the US Navy, where, along with all recruits, he had to fill out a form listing any relatives who might be fighting for the enemy.