Did you know that...

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

Cool.

Did you know the first large computer project was commissioned by the US Navy, in order to calculate large-bore gun firing solutions?    Their first attempt was made using vacuum tubes and mechanical relays.  It's reliability was somewhat questionable, so it was always run at least 3 times, with the majority being considered correct. 

Moreover, it was slower than simply looking up the solution in a book of solution tables-- these books were created by large groups of mathematicians using traditional methods (slide rules, pencil and paper).  Since most of the men were otherwise occupied, most of the mathematicians were women.

In spite of that, the Navy continued to pour money into the calculating machine project, and eventually, the modern computer came from it's fundamental work.  One of the more notable personalities was Grace Hopper, a woman in a mostly all-male field.   She remained involved in computer development over most of her illustrious career.

[Swatopluk]

Ever heard of Ada Byron who wrote the code for the humungous proto computers of Chalres Babbage?
And female calculators were a standard even before that. How do you think astronomers acquired wifes otherwise  (not a joke actually, there are numerous examples of that)

[Griffin NoName]

It's usually females that have crystal balls.

[Swatopluk]

and buoys have glass balls (according to Agnes Nitt from Discworld)

[Swatopluk]

Did you know that non-human animals also know the concept of prostitution?
Capuchin monkeys even learned to use currency in these transactions (coins that can be used to 'buy' food from the researchers)
http://www.zmescience.com/research/how-scientists-tught-monkeys-the-concept-of-money-not-long-after-the-first-prostitute-monkey-appeared/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_among_animals

[pieces o nine]

How long before she held out for the worth of two  grapes?     

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

The book on animal intelligence I'm reading mentioned it in passing although I wasn't aware of the penguins doing it as well.

[Swatopluk]

Well, penguins have been long known for being depraved (including openly gay specimens)

[pieces o nine]

It's their poncy outfits.

[Opsa]

Plus, they have to find some way to stand out in that crowd.

[pieces o nine]

^ That could be difficult.

[Griffin NoName]

The last Monday in January is Bubble Wrap Awareness Day.

[Swatopluk]

Did you know that Paul Cambon, the French ambassador in London from 1898 to 1920, refused to learn or speak a single word of English and insisted on the translation of even simple words like 'yes'?
Btw, British foreign secretary (1905-1916) Sir Edward Grey was one of the few top politicians/diplomats of the time not speaking any French.

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

Incroyable!

[Swatopluk]

Did you know there was an emperor who became known as Heinrich der Klammersiebte (Henry the Seventh in Parentheses)?
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_der_Klammersiebte