Today I Learned

The tragic Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986, was witnessed live by millions of U.S. students in schools, marking a significant moment in history. Many shared their personal experiences, recalling the shock and disbelief as they watched the event unfold. Comments from users highlighted the emotional impact, with one recalling a teacher's excitement turning to tears, while others described the surreal atmosphere in their classrooms. This collective memory underscores the profound effect of the disaster on a generation, shaping their understanding of space exploration and its risks.

A Reddit post reveals that prior to President Jimmy Carter's death, there had been a 51-year gap since the last passing of a U.S. Democratic president. The discussion highlights Carter's presidency, marked by challenges such as inflation and the Iranian hostage crisis, which overshadowed his achievements. A commenter reflects on Carter's integrity and post-presidency humanitarian efforts, contrasting them with the policies of Ronald Reagan, who they argue negatively impacted working Americans. This conversation underscores the complexities of political legacies and public perception.

A recent post highlights the discovery of the oldest known human drawing, a 73,000-year-old cross-hatched pattern made with ochre on a stone flake found in South Africa. This remarkable find predates earlier known drawings by at least 30,000 years, showcasing the symbolic creativity of early Homo sapiens. The post has sparked extensive discussion, with commenters reflecting on the implications of this discovery for our understanding of human cognitive development and artistic expression. Some express surprise at the long-held belief that complex group rituals only emerged 40,000 years ago in Europe, suggesting that early humans were capable of symbolic thought much earlier than previously thought.

A Reddit post reveals that Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, declined offers to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers after graduating from the University of Michigan. This revelation sparked a lively discussion among users, with some humorously commenting on Ford's athletic reputation and others delving into serious topics like the safety of football, particularly the risks of 'micro' hits faced by offensive linemen. The conversation highlighted the complexities of sports safety and the cultural significance of football in America.

A Reddit post reveals that dogs have been banned from Antarctica since 1994 due to concerns about disease transmission to the native seal population. The post, which received significant attention, sparked a lively discussion among users, with some humorously referencing the film 'The Thing' and others sharing insights about canine diseases like canine distemper that could threaten seals. The conversation highlighted the close biological relationship between seals and dogs, as well as the broader implications of wildlife disease management in isolated ecosystems.

Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas proposed that natural entities like plants, rivers, and even air should have legal standing to protect themselves from the harms of modern technology. In his dissent, he emphasized that inanimate objects can represent ecological units, arguing that those connected to these natural features should advocate for their protection. This perspective sparked significant discussion among Reddit users, with many praising Douglas's view as a powerful take on environmental advocacy. The conversation highlighted the need for legal recognition of nature's rights in the face of industrial threats.

A Reddit post reveals that teratomas, unusual tumors composed of various tissues like hair, muscle, teeth, and bone, often develop in the tailbone, ovaries, or testicles. The post sparked a lively discussion, with users sharing humorous and shocking anecdotes about teratomas, including one commenter recalling a surgical experience where six-inch hairs were extracted from a tumor. Another user mentioned a case of a teratoma containing teeth, leading to jokes about the body's ability to produce teeth through tumors rather than naturally. This blend of medical curiosity and humor highlights the community's engagement with unusual medical phenomena.

A Reddit post reveals that Mary Ward, a multifaceted naturalist and artist, was the first person known to be killed by an automobile when she fell under the wheels of an experimental steam car built by her cousins. This tragic incident sparked a lively discussion among users, with some clarifying that while Ward is often cited as the first victim, a steam carriage accident in 1834 had occurred earlier. The post also highlighted Ward's legacy, including her great-granddaughter Lalla Ward, an actress known for her work on Doctor Who, and the impact of the accident on her family, who destroyed the car afterward.

A Reddit post reveals that the lyrics of the 1993 hit 'Macarena' tell the story of a girl who cheats on her boyfriend while he is serving in the military, engaging in a ménage à trois with two other men. This surprising revelation sparked a lively discussion among users, with many sharing humorous takes and personal anecdotes related to the song's catchy nature. The post, which received significant engagement, highlights how catchy tunes can often mask deeper, more controversial themes, leading listeners to overlook the lyrics entirely.

Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, known for commanding the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War and portrayed in the film 'Glory', was buried in a mass grave at Fort Wagner alongside his troops. This act, intended as an insult by the Confederates, was viewed by Shaw's family as an honor, reflecting his deep commitment to his men. The post sparked discussions about Shaw's abolitionist background, his leadership qualities, and the powerful sentiments expressed by his family regarding his burial. Commenters shared insights into Shaw's character and the historical context of his actions, emphasizing his legacy as a leader who valued his soldiers above all else.

A widely upvoted Reddit post reveals that obese drivers are 80% more likely to die in car accidents compared to their non-obese counterparts. This statistic highlights the severe risks associated with obesity, particularly in the context of trauma and recovery. Commenters discussed various factors contributing to this increased risk, including the greater force exerted on larger bodies during collisions and the challenges of extrication from vehicles. The conversation also touched on broader implications for vehicle safety design, emphasizing the need for inclusive testing that accounts for diverse body types, not just the average male.

Actor Raymond Burr, known for his roles in 'Perry Mason' and 'Rear Window,' refused to appear on 'The Tonight Show' due to Johnny Carson's fat jokes about him. Burr, who faced bullying for his weight as a child, expressed his disdain for Carson's humor, stating it targeted those who couldn't defend themselves. Despite being offered multiple appearances, he declined, emphasizing that confronting Carson would not be beneficial for NBC. This incident sparked discussions about the ethics of comedy and the impact of body shaming in Hollywood, with many commenters sharing their perspectives on Burr's stance and the culture of late-night television.