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TIL the phrase "in the limelight" which refers to being the focus of attention comes from a 19th century device. Calcium oxide known as quicklime is heated in an intensely hot flame until it glows brightly. First as a surveying tool, it allowed for more accurate measurements.

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9wD9X TIL of the Arlington Ladies, a volunteer group of women who attend funerals at Arlington National Cemetery so that no soldier, sailor, airman, or coast guardsman is buried alone.
awXPN TIL The first toilet paper factory in the USSR was built in 1969, 8 years after they went to space.
Leev TIL Michael Keaton refused $15,000,000 to play Batman Forever because Tim Burton was dropped as its director.
XEyrj TIL the Great grey owl is so elusive, it was first "discovered" by Europeans exploring Canada, despite the fact that the species exists in Europe.
GAPxQ TIL that the fastest time to solve three Rubik’s Cubes while juggling them is 4 minutes and 31.01 seconds, achieved by Que Jianyu of China in 2018.