› added 4 years ago

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TIL that George Francis Train organized the Union Pacific Railroad. He also traveled around the world in 80 days, which inspired the Jules Verne novel, Around the World in 80 Days.

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via reddit.com

P0kL TIL that gay and bisexual men are only 2% of the U.S. population, but account for 63% of new HIV infections
j6Gpa TIL every 3rd Saturday in November in Netherlands, national TV live broadcasts the scripted arrival of Saint Nicolas. He allegedly sails by boat from Spain to a certain harbour in Holland, and there are always complications and drama along the way.
JYQWV TIL that after the initial discovery of penicillin, scientists scrambled for a fungus that could efficiently produce it. Mary Hunt, a lab assistant, came across a cantaloupe with a golden mold, P. chrysogenum. All penicillin is effectively descended from Mary Hunt’s cantaloupe.
mxXPR TIL while filming for the Lord of the Rings, Sean Bean once climbed a mountain for two hours alone to reach a set location because he did not want to take a helicopter up like everyone else.
eKkL TIL Sears used to sell entire houses in a ‘Do It Yourselves’ kit!