› added 2 years ago

75

TIL about Joseph Crater, a New York State Supreme Court Justice who mysteriously vanished amid a political scandal in August 1930. He was last seen leaving a restaurant on West 45th Street in Manhattan after having dinner with his mistress and a lawyer friend. His disappearance was never solved.

Read more wikipedia.org

via reddit.com

6MWX TIL that over 5,135 patent applications have been restricted from publication under the Invention Secrecy Act of 1951. Photovoltaic Generators w/ over 20% efficiency and Energy Conversion Systems “in excess of 70-80%” efficiency are subject to restriction in the name of National Security.
ZpyKR TIL That in the last two years of his life, Marlon Brando had several patents issued in his name from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, all of which involve a method of tensioning drumheads.
690wQ TIL Hooters ran an airline called “Hooters Air” from 2003-2006. Stewardesses wore the traditional hooters uniform. The airline was distinguished for nonstop flights, guaranteed meals, and for providing far more leg room than was typical of the time. The airline lost Hooters an estimated $40 million.
mOOo TIL of the Gulabi Gang, a group of Indian women vigilantes and activists who attack abusive husbands and fight against child marriages, the dowry system, and female illiteracy.
xVkDg TIL: The shortest war in history was fought between the United Kingdom and Zanzibar in 1896 and lasted 38 to 45 minutes. At 09.02 British ships started a bombardment of the sultan's palace which ended at 09.40. 500 Zanzibaris were killed, but only one British sailor was injured.