› added 4 months ago

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TIL that the original Ferris Wheel opened on 21 June 1893, as the centrepiece of the Chicago World’s Fair. Designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., it stood over 80 metres tall, carried up to 2,160 people in 36 cars, and was powered by a 1,000-horsepower steam engine.

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B98K TIL that copyright owners of factual compilations like maps and phone books will include mistakes on purpose as a “copyright trap” to catch illegal copiers in the act.
16Go4 TIL that actor William Shatner is also a recording artist; he started with his 1968 album The Transformed Man in which he cover versions of songs are dramatic recitations of their lyrics rather than musical performance.
695AZ TIL that in 1965, astronaut John Young got in trouble for sneaking a corned beef sandwich on the Gemini 3 mission, which posed a risk of crumbs messing with vital space equipment.
9YAn7 TIL that despite being founded in the same city, in the same year and having the same name, Hershey's ice cream and Hershey's chocolate have no affiliation and in fact have had multiple legal disputes due to their shared name.
Oo61a TIL in 1957 a governor used the national guard to block black students entering a desegregated school. Elizabeth Eckford mistakenly arrived on her own and was hounded by an angry mob. The 101st airborne was summoned by the president who protected her and 8 other black students while at school.