focoloconoco
focoloconoco t1_iu5w21f wrote
Reply to Eli5 why was lead added to so many products before it was discovered to be toxic? by thhbeard
Thomas Midgley Jr. not only discovered the use of PB in gasoline to prevent misfiring cylinders by controlling the pressure, he also invented Freon, which went on to destroy some areas of the ozone layer.
Environmental historian J. R. McNeill opined that Midgley "had more adverse impact on the atmosphere than any other single organism in Earth's history",[27]
focoloconoco t1_jbcb6qc wrote
Reply to Navy renames warship after Black sailor, statesman by citytiger
Internet advice:
Naming boats is a tradition since it is believed long ago that naming boats after god and goddess' name would bring luck to travel and good fortune. The wrong name was the difference between good luck and being lost at sea. Changing the name of a ship has historically been considered bad luck.
Why is it bad luck to change the name of a vessel? Boats change hands all the time, and what was a perfect name for one owner can't possibly be the perfect name for you. Many boaters and sailors, though, insist changing the name brings bad luck. If you must change it, you should perform a ceremony first to ensure good luck.