› added 10 years ago

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TIL that Sony BMG used music cds to illegally install rootkits on users computers to prevent them from ripping copyrighted music; the rootkits themselves, in a copyright violation, included open-source software.

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KOdnQ TIL about claqueurs—audience members paid to cheer. It was common in theater/opera before fading out 70 yrs ago. The Bolshoi Theater still has them—they give dancers an extra moment to catch their breath at key points. Claqueurs can get revenge on agreement-breakers by applauding at wrong moments.
8GAX TIL that people have been calling each other ‘douche bags’ since the 60’s
gOJX TIL That the U.S. Department of Education does not allow schools to spend money on D.A.R.E. because the program has been found to be ineffective in reducing alcohol and drug use.
Prmg TIL that Abdul Sattar Edhi, a Pakistani man, rescued over 20,000 abandoned infants, rehabilitated over 50,000 orphans, has trained over 40,000 nurses and runs the largest ambulance network in the world. He also donated all his body parts before passing away.
17JP TIL that a man was injected with Plutonium without his knowledge or consent and survived for 20 years, eventually surviving the highest radiation dose known for any human