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TIL Tree burls, a form of tree growth deformity, have unique patterns that make them valuable too woodworkers. Redwood burls are especially valuable and have been poached by thieves in the past.

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QXja TIL two Christian monks smuggled silkworms out of China in bamboo canes. Those silkworms were used to give the Byzantine Empire a trade monopoly in Europe, which became the foundation of their economy for the next 650 years.
Y7pLW TIL in the countersuit of Billy Mitchell by Twin Galaxies arcade over fraudulent high scores, there was a request for $3,333,360 in general damages- same number as the possible highest Pac-Man score- and $3,160,200 in special damages- equal to the sum of Mitchell's faked Donkey Kong scores.
rRbL0 TIL Many family sedans, SUVs, compacts, and subcompact models are at or near their maximum load capacity when loaded up with four average-sized American males and their luggage, gear, or other cargo. (Article from 2013.)
N7WM8 TIL that the marriage of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the longest presidential marriage in US history. They had already been married for 30 years when Carter was sworn in as president in 1977.
79X TIL that unlike chess, professional go players overwhelmingly defeat the best computers