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TIL Over 20,000 Americans service members deserted during World War 2. Pvt Eddie Slovik was executed to serve an example to others, the only service member executed for desertion since the Civil War to this day.

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v1v0x TIL Ohio Issues Bright Yellow Licence Plates to Shame DUI Offenders
ZpgXB TIL "The wondering whore" wa the first guide book about the city's prostitutes that circulated in London beginning in 1661. Even through it was actually a guide, it was written as if it was meant to instruct the "law abiding citizens" how to avoid the prostitutes
DQgYp TIL the BBC once forbade employees from illuminating any workspace solely with an Anglepoise (the spring-tensioned balance-arm lamp) because Variety Dept. head Michael Standing feared low-wattage lights led creators to furtive ideas, smut innuendo, and degenerate programme material.
1a5eV TIL there is a town in China completely focused on mass-production of oil paintings, where for example a single artist made 400 replicas of the same painting, and Wal-Mart alone orders thousands of paintings each month
8aplP TIL When Robin Williams auditioned for the role of Mork on 'Mork and Mindy', he was asked to take a seat. Williams responded by sitting on his head, upside down in the chair. He was hired on the spot because, 'He was the only alien to audition' for the part.