› added 11 years ago

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TIL A former Scientologist wielding two samurai swords attempted to infiltrate the Scientology Celebrity Centre in Hollywood. He was shot dead.

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W7Odd TIL that David Bowie's half brother, Terry Burns, who suffered from schizophrenia, was a significant influence on his music career.
JYj0l TIL that Christmas used to be illegal in Massachusetts. After 1681, Christmas was no longer a crime, but was completely taboo. Anyone caught making merry or singing carols was prosecuted for disturbing the peace. It remained taboo until 1870, when the federal government made it a national holiday.
Ly1V TIL that the Square-Cube Law explains why today’s large ships cannot be powered by sails, why babies are more susceptible to cold, and why the “helicarriers” in super hero movies like The Avengers are physically impossible.
yKmv TIL that Tesla invented a light bulb called the “Carbon button lamp” that is 10 times more efficient than a standard Edison incandescent bulb.
9wvGD TIL about Julian of Norwich - the first (named) woman to have written English