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TIL the Chinese government forced prisoners to farm World of Warcraft gold. “There were 300 prisoners forced to play games. We worked 12-hour shifts in the camp. I heard them say they could earn 5,000-6,000rmb [£470-570] a day. We didn’t see any of the money. The computers were never turned off.”

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X0aeX TIL of the 1998 East Java Ninja killings, in which "ninjas" clad in all-black killed numerous people (many of which were notable religious leaders) suspected of "sorcery" after numerous cattle died mysteriously. In turn, villagers began killing anyone that suspiciously looked like a "ninja".
LPBQ TIL the infamous radio broadcast “War of the Worlds” actually did not cause mass hysteria throughout the U.S., and when surveyed, only 2% of people claimed they were listening to the radio play.
W7jo8 TIL that Simone Biles is the most decorated American gymnast, with over 30 medals at the Olympics and World Championships, multiple signature moves named after her, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts ever
74AL TIL New York police officers used to carry an 11 inch club during the day, and a 26 inch club at night, when things were more dangerous. This is the origin of the term nightstick
kJ9P5 TIL about Sir Robert Hart, the most important and influential Westerner in Qing dynasty China. He was China's Inspector General of Maritime Customs for nearly half a century and also laid the foundations for China's national postal service, railway, meteorological and navigation systems.