› added 7 years ago

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TIL that the developers of the compact disc (CD) chose its playing time to ensure that Beethoven’s 9th symphony (70 minutes) could be played on a single disc.

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E1ymx TIL for decades, the only "premature wards" in the US were carnival attractions at Coney Island and World's Fairs. From the 1890s-1930s, the "Incubator Exhibits" saved thousands of babies' lives, at no charge to the parents. All costs were paid by entrance fees.
jNoKN TIL That Mihailo Tolotos died at age 82, without ever seeing a woman! Tolotos, whose mother died at childbirth, lived all his years as a monk in one of Greece's Mt. Ethos monasteries where only men are permitted.
BJde TIL After hearing that Guinness Book of World Records planned to give him the world record for having filed the highest number of lawsuit, Jonathan Lee Riches (a federal prisoner) did what he does best – he sued them.
a8D49 TIL Margarine was invented in France in response to Napoleon III's call for a cheap alternative to butter
PNJZ TIL 77% of low income Americans reported they would rather have more consistent income than make more money