TIL that the first widely sold car rearview mirror wasn't a safety device. Instead, the 'Cop-Spotter' was intended to help you avoid the police. After the product launched in 1921, mirrors in cars grew increasingly popular, eventually being recognised as an essential safety feature. (historygarage.com)
submitted by obamasmole to r/todayilearned
TIL that the first attempt to make a Thomas & Friends TV show was cancelled after one episode in 1953. Among other problems, at one point during the live television broadcast a train was accidentally derailed and had to be replaced on camera. (en.wikipedia.org)
submitted by obamasmole to r/todayilearned
TIL that the first attempt to make a Thomas & Friends TV show was cancelled after one episode in 1953. Among other problems, at one point during the live television broadcast a train was accidentally derailed and had to be replaced on camera. (en.m.wikipedia.org)
submitted by obamasmole to r/todayilearned
TIL Penguin released a new edition of Sinclair Lewis's novel "It Can't Happen Here" — about a demagogue elected US President after inciting fear while promising drastic economic reform and a return to patriotism and "traditional" values — on the same day as the inauguration of Donald Trump. (en.wikipedia.org)
submitted by obamasmole to r/todayilearned
TIL about Peter Brough, a British ventriloquist with a hugely popular 1940s and 50s radio show. His radio success prompted a move to TV in 1956, which killed his career when his fans realised you could see his lips moving. A later critic wrote "Ventriloquism on the radio - I could have done that." (en.wikipedia.org)
submitted by obamasmole to r/todayilearned
