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TIL that Norway, after gaining independence from Sweden in 1905, offered the throne to Prince Carl of Denmark - but he refused to accept unless the people voted for a monarchy over a republic. 79% said yes, and he became King Haakon VII, the only known king ever to be elected by popular vote.

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e0Mwn TIL that stray cows in Uttar Pradesh, India, are barcoded to help keep track of their location and use unoccupied government buildings to give them shelter.
D14bv TIL that Ray Charles started a foundation to help those with hearing disorders because while he did not believe his blindness was a handicap, he believed it was a handicap to not be able to hear music.
xDgw TIL in 1990, during an exchange of punches in a wrestling match between Vader and Stan Hansen, Stan poked Vader’s right eye, which caused it to pop out of its socket. After pushing the eye back into its socket and holding it in place with his eyelid, Vader continued until the match was called off.
l707r TIL: That over 60 towns were scouted as possible shoot locations for the movie Groundhog Day. Though relatively remote, it was felt that Woodstock, Illinois offered the timeless quality that the filmmakers sought. The town even came with a large pothole for Phil (Bill Murray) to step in.
QO0a TIL Dr. Seuss’s editor bet him $50 that he couldn’t write a children’s book in 50 words or less. Dr. Seuss won the bet with his book Green Eggs and Ham.