› added 12 years ago

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TIL that in 2006, 1/3 of all stocks traded in the USA and EU were traded electronically by specially designed algorithms without any human input. Today, it is estimated that around 70% of stocks traded in the US and EU markets are bought/sold by algorithmic programs, with some markets pushing 80%.

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Lkmdr TIL, the first TV commercial was 10 second ad for Bulova Watch Company on July 1st, 1941.
O0M7 TIL that drug use in video games is classified under the same regulations as child porn for Australian Customs
D1WZj TIL that the coat of arms of the German Empire (1871-1918) featured two near-nude bearded men with six-packs and extremely muscular arms and legs, each holding a long cudgel in one hand, with their other arm resting on the shield and crown
ZpDD TIL Figs are considered by some to not be vegan. When pollinated by a female fig-wasp the fig’s inward facing flowers trap the wasp, and her corpse is digested by enzymes in the fig.
VnyD TIL that the -pter in “helicopter” and “pterodactyl” are from the same Greek word “pteron” meaning ‘wing’