› added 11 years ago

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TIL that Electronic Arts once tried to buy Valve for $1 billion.

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xNNo TIL that Washington, D.C. uses a series of acoustic sensors called “ShotSpotter” to detect gunfire. When “ShotSpotter” sensors detect a loud noise, a central computer program analyzes the acoustic signature, pinpoints the suspected location to within a few yards and notifies police.
9Vvr TIL The English Horn is French, and the French Horn is German
JYnAV TIL Van Halen would request for "No Brown M&Ms" to check the promoter had actually read the contract to ensure the safety of the lighting rig.
NX4n1 TIL referees would respond to Dikembe Mutombo's gesture of waving his index finger after a block with a technical foul. To avoid the foul, Mutombo started waving his finger at the crowd or TV cameras after a block as that is not considered taunting per NBA rules.
GYgjj TIL: The 2012 Olympic Committee asked Music Manager Bill Curbishley to have drummer for "The Who" Keith Moon perform the opening ceremonies. Curbishley replied "If they have a round table, some glasses and candles, we might contact him." Keith Moon had been dead for 34 years.