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TIL when the first settlers arrived, oysters were so numerous in the Chesapeake Bay that they were able to filter the whole bay about once a week. Their current numbers are less then 1% of what they were at that time

Read more chesapeakebay.noaa.gov

via reddit.com

751b TIL in 1916, the German military conducted the Judenzählung (census of Jews). Designed to confirm accusations of lack of patriotism among German Jews, the census disproved the charges. In fact, A higher % of German Jews fought in WWI than of any other ethnic, religious or political group in Germany.
8aPbb TIL the iconic black-and-white soccer ball design was popularized by the Adidas Telstar, which adopted the design to be visible on black and white television screens. It was named after the AT&T Telstar, the first satellite to transmit television images and telephone calls through space.
gMBEy TIL that the Apollo 11 astronauts signed applications to Travelers Insurance Company for space travel accident insurance for their mission to the moon. The policies would insure against accidents but also against "disease endemic to the lunar surface or its environs".
R7Vww TIL that Stan Lee used alliterative names like Peter Parker and Reed Richards because he has a poor memory - having first and last name start with the same letter made them easier to remember
rRxwW TIL that when Apple ads claimed the iPhone X took “studio quality photos” there were complaints to the UK’s advertising standards about misleading statements. These were was rejected because there isn’t a technical definition of what “studio quality photos” is: it’s completely subjective.