› added 12 years ago

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TIL Beethoven meant his symphonies to be played at 160 - 180 bpm - break beats and drum & bass speeds

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Wk8gB TIL That Martin Newell needed a simple mathematical model of a familiar object for his work in 1975. He created what is considered today to be the "Utah Teapot", a 3D test model that has become a standard reference object for testing and demonstrating rendering algorithms and visual effects.
BrlRK TIL that the Common Swift can fly continuously for 10 months without landing
Y760v TIL that the theft of milk-crates accounts for approximately $80 million in annual losses. Despite 95% of the theft stemming from organized crime, the protecting legislation inadvertently gave law-enforcement the power to criminalize the possession of even a single crate by one individual.
XKyr TIL, Astronomer Harlow Shapley, confused about what to study, decided to take the first class listed in university’s catalog. Unable to pronounce “archaeology,” he skipped to the next listing “astronomy.” He went on to become one of the famous 20th century astronomers.
yV0Dp TIL at the Battle of Marathon, the Athenians advanced towards the Persians at a run, a tactic not previously seen in Greek warfare. This approach surprised the Persians, who considered it madness for the Greeks to charge without cavalry or archers.