› added 7 years ago

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TIL that in 1966, when asked by a Senate subcommittee member about the dangers of LSD, Timothy Leary stated: "Sir, the motor car is dangerous if used improperly...Human stupidity and ignorance is the only danger human beings face in this world." The Senator he was replying to was Ted Kennedy.

ajKo TIL that during the U.S. Civil War, former President John Tyler became a Confederate and was elected to serve in the Condeferate congress. He is the only U.S. President to not be mourned officially in Washington D.C. due to his being a Confederate supporter.
EgZPX TIL of Charles Valadier, a dentist who used his Rolls Royce 'Silver Ghost' as a mobile dental surgery unit to treat facial injuries of wounded soldiers on the front during World War 1. Using the Rolls-Royce on the frontline, Valadier became a pioneer of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.
NXyy6 TIL George Washington prevented a military coup over unpaid back wages by putting on a pair of glasses to read a letter from Congress, explaining he was "almost blind in the service of my country.” Moved to tears, his officers compromised.
v1OA4 TIL denatured alcohol (sold in hardware stores) isn't chemically different from drinking alcohol. The only difference is it's purposely laced with poison and nausea inducing additives so you can't drink it. This compromises allows it to be sold without alcohol tax and ensures people don't drink it.
An64 TIL that even under a worst-case scenario, no Rubik’s Cube is farther than 20 moves from being solved.