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TIL that in the 1970s in East Germany, Coffee rationing due to failed harvest and the introduction of "Mix Kaffee" (A 51% coffee, 49% filler mixture) was received so poorly that the East German Government started trading arms to Asia and Africa in Exchange for Coffee

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PGAE TIL that astronaut Steven Swanson took DVDs of Firefly and Serenity to the International Space Station, where they permanently reside as entertainment for the crew.
4aYN TIL of Erik Wolpaw, an employee at Valve that was sick for an extended period of time. Gabe Newell surprised him by offering an extended leave with pay. “Your job is to get better,” Newell said. “That is your job description at Valve. So go home to your wife and come back when you are better.”
yMDa TIL if you cut off a ring of bark around a tree trunk, the tree will die
M71pa TIL: Icelanders do not have family surnames. Instead their "last name" is always the first name of their father (i.e. Johannsson, or Johanndottir).
GYMX5 TIL it is illegal in Alabama to play cards on Sunday. According to section 13A-12-1 of the Alabama code, those who break this rule shall be fined not less than $10.00 nor more than $100.00, and may also be imprisoned for maximum three months.