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TIL a Russian mathematician solved a 100 year old math problem; he declined the Fields medal, $1 million in awards, and later retired from math because he hated the recognition the math community gives to people who prove things.

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wL157 TIL that Jim Simons is the most successful hedge-fund manager in the history of modern finance averaging 66% annual returns (39% after fees). Also learned he is a very giving philanthropist contributing to education, technology research, and autism research.
G54Q TIL: From 2001 to 2006 manufacturers colluded in an international LCD price fixing conspiracy
5YJZQ TIL Soviet cosmonauts took a copy of Pink Floyd's live album "Delicate Sound Of Thunder" with them on their mission, making it the first rock album to be played in space. David Gilmour and Nick Mason also attended the mission's launch.
Gx7g TIL on the real whaleship Essex (which was destroyed by a white sperm whale, inspiring Moby Dick) the crew resupplied at Galápagos by collecting 300 Galápagos giant tortoises which they let roam the ship at will, butchering them at sea as needed.
JQ1k TIL On the APOLLO-SOYUZ mission It was found that the best scenario was for the Russians to speak English and for the Americans to speak Russian.