› added 7 years ago

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TIL in 1962, 7 years before America developed ARPANET Soviets were working on their version of internet called OGAS, the project was abbandoned in 1970 because Soviet Leaders feared it would undermine their control over the economy and country.

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GA7JN TIL Simeon Stylites lived on top of columns for 37 years. Simeon did this as a form of asceticism because when he lived in a cave people kept making pilgrimages to him and asking him religious questions. Ultimately his column life drew in even bigger crowds who would climb ladders to talk to him.
ljgN TIL that the reason today’s artificial banana flavoring for candy tastes so differently than an actual banana is because it is based on the Gros Michel Banana, which was nearly wiped out in the 50’s due to a fungus. The bananas we eat today are from the Cavendish family.
rNQke TIL that Spacex's yearly revenue from Starlink is almost 15 times larger than its NASA contracts and in 10 years, Spacex has launched nearly 9000 starlink satellites.
wogW6 TIL that German scientist August Kekulé discovered the seemingly-impossible chemical structure of benzene after having a dream about a group of snakes swallowing their tails
yQr6e TIL Tony Marohn purchased a 1924 Palmer Union Oil Company stock certificate for $5 at a estate sale. Palmer Union Oil was a predecessor to the Coca-Cola Company and the stock was worth $130 million. Due to legalities he was unable to redeem the stock and after litigation his family received nothing.