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TIL Taras Shevchenko was born a serf in 1814 occupied Ukraine, became an orphan at 12, bought his freedom with a help of a famous painter who recognized Shevchenko's talent, and rose to become the most famous Ukrainian poet and painter with unmatched cultural significance for the Ukrainian nation.

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e0Qdg TIL of Red Rock Coulee, which features large numbers of strange round stone spheres.
pY1XQ TIL a pigeon named Cher Ami became a war hero in WWI by flying 25 miles to deliver a life-saving message, despite being shot, blinded in one eye, and flying with one leg barely attached she saved 194 soldiers and was awarded a medal, buried with honors, and now rests in the Smithsonian.
xOV7 TIL to get Greeks to gain an interest in potatoes, a large shipment of potatoes was left on the docks of Nafplio under guard. The guards were ordered to turn a blind eye to theft and all of the potatoes were stolen. The plan succeeded.
RdV9 TIL in 1883, the body of a bear and Frank Devereaux were found dead beside each other with the ground around them thrashed for 20 square feet. It’s believed the man and bear fought to the death.
xVedk TIL Chance The Rapper donated over $2 million to Chicago Public Schools. Working with 20 principals and his non-profit SocialWorks, he helped the schools gain $100,000 over 3 years, and selected the schools based on budgetary and individual needs.