› added 12 years ago

86

TIL that the original title for “Licensed to ill” by the Beastie Boys was “Don’t be a faggot”

Read more therapup.net

via reddit.com

NXrX8 TIL that László József Bíró was a Hungarian inventor who patented the most commercially successful ballpoint pen also invented the automatic gearbox. He also at some point in his life, worked as a hypnotist, insurance salesman, book publisher and he also sold oil.
oDL7 TIL that if a Belgian family has seven sons or daughters in succession, the king/queen becomes godfather/godmother of the child and it receives royal gifts. This still happens a few times per year.
R79d8 TIL that on Aug 16 1894, the residents of Buffalo, NY could clearly see Toronto which is 58 miles away due to a mirage.
BrKBx TIL that the word ‘quarantine’ comes from 14th century (Venetian dialect) Italian ‘quaranta’ meaning 40, which was the number of days a ship had to stay off shore if suspected to have infections on board. Fitting.
69A98 TIL the name of the video game "Doom" (1993) comes from a quote said by Tom Cruise's character in the film "The Color of Money" (1987). The quote in question is "What you got in there? / In here? Doom.".