› added 3 years ago

132

TIL it took 75 years for 100 million people to get access to the telephone; the gaming app "Pokemon Go" hooked that many users in less than one month in 2016. That is how fast the digital revolution is compared to other transformations.

Read more cnbc.com

via reddit.com

4X4pX TIL a crew of about 22 Soviet nuclear sub operators died preventing a nuclear meltdown that could have poisoned the ocean, June 4, 1961. Though they worked quickly in 5-10 min shifts, and wore raincoats, this was not enough to prevent some dying days later, and the rest within two years.
KYORQ TIL about the Nordic Biker War. A war involving the Hells Angles and Bandidos outlaw motorcycle clubs. The bikers utilized car bombs, machine guns, hand grenades, anti-tank missiles and small arms during their gang war.
XgYX TIL that when the great ballerina Anna Pavlova contracted pneumonia, she was told she needed an operation that would leave her unable to dance. She replied, “If I can’t dance, then I would rather be dead.” She died shortly after.
DKwe TIL of the Popsicle Index, a quality of life measurement based on the percentage of parents who feel that their child can safely walk to the nearest store and buy a Popsicle by themselves.
adwJ TIL Ralph Nader sued General Motors for harassment in 1970 after GM attempted to blackmail him to suppress his outspoken criticism of automobile safety. He won and used the $425m judgement to found an organization which was instrumental in the creation of OSHA and the Freedom of Information Act.