› added 4 years ago

70

TIL of the SS Morro Castle, a cruise ship that suffered a disastrous fire during a nor'easter off NJ in 1934, killing 137. The cause of the fire was never discovered, but some believe it was intentionally started by the Chief Radio Operator, who was later convicted of two murders and a bombing.

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69vgl TIL just 36% of Detroit-area high school graduates are considered college ready by graduation
QNyMa TIL that in the world's first novel, the 11th-century Japanese "Tale of Genji", none of the characters are given explicit names. It was considered rude to call people by name, so the characters are referred to using (for example) their jobs or clothing color, which change throughout the story.
LQ5ZQ TIL A person can carry upto 20% of their mass on their head without using any additional energy.
Z8n8B TIL of John Henry Turpin, considered to be the first Black master diver in the US Navy. He survived the USS Maine explosion (and another one), saving lives in both instances, and attempted to re-enlist for WWII. He was denied due to old age.
EQoV TIL that in 1997, Mattel released ‘Share-A-Smile Becky’ Barbie doll, who was disabled and came with a wheelchair; however, the doll created controversy when it was pointed out that the Barbie-Dream-House was not wheelchair accessible and could not accommodate Becky’s needs.