› added 11 months ago

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TIL I learned about the 1881 Fenian Ram, the world's first practical submarine

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R7mO9 TIL about Precordial Catch Syndrome (AKA Texidor's Twinge), which is when someone gets a sharp stabbing pain in the side of their chest for a few moments, then it disappears with no lasting effects. Why this happens is unclear
YdRP TIL of NASA’s sound suppression system which soaks the launch pad with 300,000 gallons of water, reducing acoustical levels within the orbiter payload bay to about 142 decibels.
jEoa TIL that Americans who listened to the first Kennedy-Nixon debate on the radio felt that Nixon had won while those who watched it on television were sure that Kennedy had won. This was because, where Nixon had eloquence and debate skills, Kennedy had charm and showmanship.
KO0Ya TIL about Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-ME) who delivered a 1950 Senate floor speech ("Declaration of Conscience") against McCarthyism - while he was seated behind her. McCarthy removed her from a subcommittee and financed her (unsuccessful) primary challenger. She voted for his censure in 1954.
nWG6b TIL that Soweto is an abbreviation for South Western Township.