› added 12 years ago

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TIL after two thirds of its employees died on 9/11, Cantor Fitzgerald started a relief fund where 100% of every dollar donated goes to victims of disasters, raising $180 million so far. Each year on 9/11, the fund donates 100% of the day’s revenue to charity, raising $89 million since the tragedy.

Read more cantorrelief.org

via reddit.com

4dXR TIL that in 1989, a group calling itself “The Breeders” deliberately caused a medfly infestation in California, devastating crops and causing millions in damage. No suspects were ever identified.
eaMJ TIL on January 15, 1919, in Boston a large molasses storage tank burst, and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150. The event has entered local folklore. Residents claimed that on hot summer days, the area still smells of molasses.
BgbEK TIL that Tom Noe, a Republican fundraiser and rare coin dealer, was given $50M in Ohio state funds to invest in rare coins. Instead, he spent it on luxury cars, trips, and illegal campaign donations, leading to 29 felony convictions and major corruption reforms.
yVYW8 TIL about fasciation, a rare genetic abnormality in plants where they appear to stretch like a glitch in the matrix
1pWX TIL a “laughing heir” is distant relative who inherits a deceased person in the absence of any closer relatives. Being so distant from the deceased they don’t feel any anguish over their death, only joy at learning they will be receiving a surprise inheritance.