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TIL that availability of potatoes played an important role in spurring economic growth in the 18th & 19th centuries. The introduction of the potato explains the 25–26% of the increase in old world population and 27–34% of the increase in urbanization between 1700 - 1900.

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YAnr TIL I learned of Neil Tillotson, the inventor of latex gloves and balloons. He was also the first voter in every American presidential primary and presidential election from 1960-2000.
MeYg7 TIL Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. was an American fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force and the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general. During the Vietnam War he served under Colonel Robin Olds and together they were known as "Blackman and Robin"
KYo7J TIL: That disagreement surrounds the method by which kleptomania is considered and diagnosed. On one hand, some researchers believe that kleptomania is merely theft and dispute the suggestion that there are psychological mechanisms involved, while others observe it as substance-related misuse.
a8vAo TIL the US started a Crazy Horse monument to rival Mount Rushmore in 1948. While the design features the Chief riding and pointing toward the Black Hills only the face has been completed.
p8GWp TIL that the makers of SPAM sued Jim Henson Productions for using the name "Spa'am" for a pig character. A judge dismissed the suit, and noted that "one might think Hormel (the maker) would welcome the association with a genuine source of pork."