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291

TIL Shakespeare invented the name Jessica for the play ‘The Merchant of Venice’

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via ift.tt

pY0MA TIL about Jeannette Rankin, the first women in congress, and the only member who voted against going to war with Japan after Pearl Harbor
e9B6 TIL the number of Americans who don’t read books has nearly tripled since 1978.
9YLDB TIL The modern “Western” depiction of Santa Claus can be traced back to a 1931 Coca-Cola advertising campaign.
mxYkM TIL Andy Whitfield filmed the entirety of his lead role in “Spartacus” while battling Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His struggle was documented in an Oscar-nominated documentary called “Be Here Now,” which served raise awareness for people suffering from leukemia and lymphoma.
OoyP7 TIL of Nancy Bentley, who was enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy at age 6. Australia's 'first' female sailor, she was enlisted so that the ship's doctor could provide medical assistance to her after she was bitten by a snake. She served 6 days and her official rank was 'mascot'.