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TIL that in 1867, when a San Francisco policeman wanted to involuntarily commit an insane but harmless man who declared himself emperor, the police chief refused, saying “that he had shed no blood; robbed no one; and despoiled no country; which is more than can be said of his fellows in that line.”

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PV8L TIL that dinosaur feathers aren’t just visually apparent in fossils, but have actually been found preserved in amber.
a8Vly TIL that "Tunnel of Love" rides were popular at Amusement Parks in the early 20th century because they were one of the only socially acceptable opportunities for couples to be alone together on a date and share physical contact. In 1950, there were over 700 in the USA. Now there are less than 10.
VMom TIL that there is a group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal, South-east of India, where the Andamanese people live a 60,000 year old existence. Their culture has no knowledge of cultivation or fire-making. All outside contacts with civilization have been met with hostility.
ANZpw TIL actor Clark Gable flew combat missions with the US Army during WWII. During one mission, a shell ripped through the heel of his shoe and missed his head by 30 cm. A year later, his discharge papers were signed by then-Captain Ronald Reagan.
9YrZQ TIL Richard the Lionheart's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was actually a rare female crusader who would march with her husband. However, their disagreements on battle plans eventually lead to the marriage being annulled, where she then after married a Norman and produced Richard.