› added 5 years ago

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TIL In 1999, people believed that Furbies contained computer chips so they could record words and repeat them. The U.S. satellite intelligence operation banned Furbies - in essence, accusing the toy of being a Chinese-manufactured spy, a secret-stealing bugging device capable of eavesdropping.

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rNplW TIL tuberculosis reached the Americas before European contact, likely carried by seals and sea lions who acquired it from livestock on African beaches
NkBJ TIL in 1991 a man found a first printing of the Declaration of Independence, inside the frame of a $4 painting he’d bought at a flea market. It sold at auction for $2.4 million.
KW1Q TIL that Willie Nelson released an album in 1992 specifically made to pay off his debts to the IRS, entitled ‘The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?’
0e9M TIL Mark Wahlberg dropped out of school at 13, sold drugs, had two cars before he was old enough to drive and at 16 was arrested for attempted murder (while under the influence of angel dust)… and yet he still became what he is today
pYDQp TIL that Princess Elizabeth took her corgi Susan, a gift from King George VI for her 18th birthday, on her 1947 honeymoon. Hidden under carriage rugs during the wedding parade, Susan later joined the couple at Broadlands, even riding in a Jeep driven by Prince Philip.