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TIL in 1054, Chinese astronomers noted a bright "guest star" in Taurus that was visible in the daytime for 3 weeks, and didn't completely fade out for almost two years. The "guest star" was actually the supernova explosion that created the Crab Nebula, which is located some 6,500 light-years away.

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v14j8 TIL that British WWII General, Bernard Montgomery, first courted a woman when he was in his late thirties in 1925. His approach to romance included "drawing diagrams in the sand of how he would deploy his tanks and infantry in a future war." Said young woman declined his proposal for marriage.
MdQK TIL McDonald’s is a worldwide real estate giant who owns the majority of its property. They buy property and lease it back to their franchisees, collecting billions in revenue each year.
7rnjb TIL Weezer's second album "Pinkerton" was panned by critics upon its release in 1996. "Rolling Stone" readers voted it the third worst album of '96. However, "Pinkerton" developed a cult following and increasing praise. By 2002 "Rolling Stone" readers voted it the 16th greatest album of all time.
9YYj7 TIL that according to Johnny Cash's autobiography, he got addicted to painkillers after one of his ostriches challenged his authority. He attempted to discipline the bird with a large stick, but failed; the ostrich broke five of his ribs and slashed into his stomach, almost disemboweling him.
69WEZ TIL There are names for each phase of the lifecycle of a single hair.