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TIL The first and last nationwide census of Afghanistan was conducted in 1979. Birth records have almost never been kept. The figures used for population and ethnic makeup are largely based on repetition and politics.

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Kdw TIL that Albert Michelson, celebrated for his work in discovering the speed of light, got a free education at the US naval accademy just because he hung out by the door to the Whitehouse and went (initially uninvited) for daily morning walks with the President (Grant).
nWyYb TIL that there is a "witch window" also known as a "Vermont window," found almost exclusively in Vermont. These slanted windows are installed at a 45-degree angle in the gable-end wall of a house and are designed to prevent witches from flying into the home on their brooms.
pYWdA TIL that Ruth Handler of Barbie fame was the first to market toys to kids rather than parents by advertising a toy machine gun on Mickey Mouse Club. The ad campaign was worth entire Mattel market cap at the time.
Y7JpP TIL - Dodge made a hybrid version of the 2009 Durango (also for the Chrysler Aspen). It was sold for only 2 months and then promptly discontinued, citing a drop in demand for their full-size SUVs due to the economic slowdown. It managed 19 MPG city/20 highway.
wLnNY TIL that as a teen, the future serial killer Richard Ramirez got his first job working at Holiday Inn. While working there, he assualted a guest, but was caught and beaten by her husband. As they were traveling, the couple declined to press charges. Ramirez was then fired from his job.