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TIL of the Bat' d'Af', French military units composed of heavily-tattooed criminals and problematic soldiers. Members called the units "the Hell" due to harsh discipine and living conditions. Despite this, they served with distinction in France's colonial wars, Crimea, and WW1.

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J1dx8 TIL that since 1949 all Treasurers of the United States, whose signature is on all dollar bills (along with the Treasury Secretary’s), have been women
x6lj5 TIL, The Japanese have been producing wood for 700 years without cutting down trees. In the 14th century, the extraordinary daisugi technique was born in Japan. Pruning as a rule of art that allows the tree to grow and germinate while using its wood, without ever cutting it down.
D1ngD TIL actor Ashton Kutcher took part in the development of software used to identify child sex trade victims, with nearly 6,000 identified to date.
Egg8o TIL: "Don't Mess with Texas" was created to stop littering, and not about, well, other stuff.
g09y TIL that a company has developed staggered airplane economy seats that allows passengers to sit independently with their own armrests and improved aisle access all while fitting more seats in the cabin.