› added 12 years ago

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TIL the cars that were given away by Oprah cost the recipients up to $7,000 due to the fact they were marketed as a prize instead of a gift (the latter is not taxed). Many had to forfeit their prize or sell it if they could not afford their “free car”.

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neDa9 TIL: Male Western parotia bird appears like a ballet dancer while performing courtship display to attract female. He just doesn't perform, but rehearses in advance and ensures the perching spot is clean for the female to watch the show comfortably. The endemic species belongs to birds of paradise.
rR7Oy TIL that about 1 percent of the static on fm radio's and old crt analog TV's is caused by radio waves generated during the big bang. You can literally listen to or watch the birth of the universe.
GAPpE TIL actor John Larroquette was the uncredited narrator of the prologue to the 1974 horror movie Texas Chainsaw Massacre. In lieu of cash, he was paid by the Director Tobe Hooper in Marijuana.
N97N TIL that after most US cities prohibited the use of lead pipes in the 1920’s, the Lead Industry Association mounted a propaganda campaign highlighting the “advantages” of lead over other materials. The LIA’s activities resulted in the proliferation of lead pipes for decades.
W7NJY TIL that 12 players in the NL and AL of major leagues have hit .400 since 1900, and that Ted Williams was (just) the last of them. If you expand to Negro Leagues it's 27 players since 1900, and 42 since 1876.