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TIL Google intends to scan all known existing 130 million books, totaling 4 billion digital pages and 2 trillion words and plans to have it finished by the end of the decade.

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v18X4 TIL In 1970, the Oregon Highway Division consulted with the US Navy and decided the best way to dispose of a whale carcass was to blow it up with a 1/2 ton of dynamite. The explosion caused blubber to rain down on spectators for over a 1/4 of a mile. A large chunk demolished a car.
rYPo TIL that before coffee became popular, beer was the most popular drink to go with breakfast in the USA.
4kAmo TIL "Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M. was used as the theme song to the unaired pilot for the sitcom Friends, before it was replaced by the Rembrandts' "I'll Be There for You".
4X5LJ TIL of the "Ken Norton Rule" His track coach entered him in eight events, and Norton placed first in seven. As a result, the "Ken Norton Rule", which limits participation of an athlete to a maximum of four track and field events, was instituted in Illinois high school sports
QMk6 TIL: The first battle of the Civil War took place on Wilmer McLean’s farm. He moved to get away from the violence, but 4 years later Lee would surrender to Grant in his new house. His quote: “The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor.”