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TIL a former Reagan administration official brought a young Bulgarian teenager over to the states in an effort to improve his education. That teenager, fluent in four languages, disappeared after high school, adopted the identity of a slain 3-year old, and became a government agent in Oregon.

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P1A4e TIL Many Vikings were fearsome warriors, but most were farmers, fishermen, craftsmen and traders. Viking trading centers and trade routes would bring tremendous wealth. The Viking economy and trade network also effectively helped rebuild the European economy after the fall of the Roman Empire.
wgXJ TIL: In 1930, Babe Ruth signed a contract for a record breaking $80,000. He was asked by a reporter what he thought of his yearly salary being more than President Hoover’s $75,000. His response: “I know, but I had a better year than Hoover.”
j0DQ TIL all captive white tigers can be traced to a single tiger origin. Every white tiger since has been inbred again and again causing major deformities at birth. They are also not a subspecies, thus not endangered, and only kept around to bring in more money.
EgvmV TIL a species of ant (Polyrhachis lamellidens) uses other species as slaves. A newly mated queen seeks out a Camponotus japonicus ant colony, sneaks in with stolen pheromones, then kills their queen single-handedly. Workers of the conquered colony raise their new master's brood.
x6lv5 TIL Mafia receipts account for 9% of Italy’s GDP. The ‘Ndrangheta alone account for 3%.