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TIL that Vanderbilt University, founded in 1873, is named in honor of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who provided the school its initial $1-million endowment and hoped that his gift and the work of the university would help to heal the sectional wounds inflicted on the American nation by the Civil War.

PYPMg TIL exactly 45 years ago (12/06/73), Nixon used his power under the 25th Amendment to appoint Ford as his new vice president the United States. To date, Ford remains the only person to assume the roles of both President and Vice President without having been elected by the electoral college.
gr91b TIL that the original video for the Village People's YMCA did not have the iconic hand dance spelling out "YMCA." The dance was invented on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. The original did have a gesture that looked like a Y at the appropriate place.
LkdLV TIL that the Masamune, a sword appearing in many JRPG's was a real sword. The Honjō Masamune represented the Togukawa Shogunate and was a Japanese National Treasure. In 1946, all swords were confiscated, and an American called "Sgt. Coldy Biltmore" took the sword. The sword is still missing today.
RM57 TIL that “Fairy Bread” is a common treat served at children’s parties in Australia and New Zealand - consisting of buttered white bread and candy sprinkles.
l7pQr TIL the most prolific serial killer in Norway served 12 years of his 21 year sentence and was released for good behaviour. He has lived as a free man for nearly 30 years.