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TIL in 1998 a burglar stole a priceless diamond ornament originally belonging to empress Elisabeth of Austria, replacing it with a gift shop replica. Newspapers covered up the theft by claiming it had been speedily recovered and the fake remained on display for 10 years.

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Vpxp TIL a man named C.B. Fry is history’s ‘Ultimate All Rounder’: having attended Oxford University; represented England in Cricket and football; played in the FA Cup final; equaled the world long-jump record; as well as having proficiency in teaching, writing, broadcasting, and politics.
yK8v TIL that during World War I, the Russian and German armies were repeatedly attacked by starving wolves. It became such a problem that the two armies negotiated a temporary truce and worked together to kill several hundred wolves
rZ7e TIL the 1980’s song “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” is widely misinterpreted as a positive outlook on the future. Writer Pat MacDonald explained the song is actually about a grim outlook, even hinting that the “bright future” was in fact due to an impending nuclear holocaust.
MgKB TIL popular R&B singer Akon owns a diamond mine in South Africa
6EVLw TIL Turks and Caicos, a Caribbean island country, has openly flirted with the idea of joining Canada as a province, with 90% support of the island's population at one point. Canada has shied away from accepting the offer due to socio-economic reasons, but has never said no.