› added 4 years ago

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TIL that Kim Philby, head of the MI6 anti-communist section, was forced to resign over allegations that he helped two KGB moles escape. However, he was exonerated by the government. He then defected to the Soviet Union after having been KGB double agent for 30 years.

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l7YyB TIL people in London used to celebrate "Frost Fairs" on the river Thames when it froze over allowing pubs, market stalls and events to be set up on the ice (Once there was even a parade of Elephants!).
Me7PW TIL The Richest person in Spain is Amancio Ortega (Fashion chain), Liliane Bettencourt in France (Cosmetics), Maria Franca in Italy (Confectionery), Dietrich Mateschitz in Austria (Energy drinks), Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen in Denmark (Lego toys) and Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken in Holland (Beer).
YN7d TIL there is a secular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous known as SMART recovery that is based more on Contemporary therapeutic techniques.
GogQ TIL Dog The Bounty Hunter has 12 children, 4 ex-wives (1 named La Fonda), and a murder conviction.
78kAM TIL The music of Nine Inch Nails has reportedly been used by the U.S. military as music torture to break down the resolve of detainees. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails objected to this and stated "It's difficult for me to imagine anything more profoundly insulting, demeaning and enraging"