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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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oB9PR TIL that the Dixie Chicks are still de facto "banned" from country music radio due to criticizing President Bush back in 2003. Their music is never played on many country stations.
GJaJ TIL the lyrics of the no. 1 singles on the Billboard charts over the past 10 years average at a third-grade reading level.
gMJQb TIL a fascinating group of people called the "Wandervogel" rebelled against Authoritarianism in germany until the nazis forced them to disband, while borrowing some of their ideas about nationalism and nature
xVp9B TIL that the floating valve in toilets is called a "ballcock". Further, the man that invented its name is Thomas Crapper.
LQkym TIL that Napoleon's penis was allegedly amputated during an autopsy shortly his death in 1821, and was exhibited and passed through several owners from that day onwards.