› added 7 years ago

71

TIL that a "domino computer" was once constructed, that could add two three-bit inputs and produce a four-bit output. It was made of dominoes standing on end, and relied on timing and precise placement when they were knocked over.

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6Erdl TIL: Maine is the U.S. state closest to Africa.
jNPaR TIL of the Crayola Colorcycle, a free program for schools that recycles empty markers of all types and brands, and even pays for shipping via FedEx.
woXYM TIL Byzantine princess Theophano, wife of Holy Roman emperor Otto was resented by the emperor's courtiers for her peculiar habits, including "luxurius tastes", like demanding to take a bath daily and using "a golden double prong to bring food to her mouth", instead of eating with her hands
VBAR8 TIL that Philip M Thomas (of Miami Vice fame) coined the acronym EGOT - Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony - stating he wanted to win these 4 awards within 5 years. He hasn't won a single one of them until now.
69epX TIL that the iconic Rosa Parks bus photo was staged by the UPI after her victory in the Supreme Court. The man behind her is UPI reporter Nicholas Chriss.