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TIL Singapore’s Founding Father, Lee Kuan Yew, considered air-conditioning one of the most important inventions in history. “It changed the nature of civilization by making development possible in the tropics. Without air conditioning you can work only in the cool early-morning hours or at dusk.”

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1aPMd 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.
78RrZ TIL of a man who, after being gifted a flight in a fighter jet by coworkers, accidentally ejected himself from the cockpit. He survived, though he later stated he had never previously expressed any interest in such a flight.
0waE1 TIL the shape of bagels came from Europe centuries ago. One theory is that Jews in 13th century Poland were allowed to boil (but not bake) bread, and the shape distinguished the bread. But that's not the whole story, modern food science proves the shape increases cooking surface area and chewiness.
JdPl TIL Hitler used the slaughtering of Native Americans as the inspiration for concentration camps.
KZeJ TIL Samuel L. Jackson wanted a cameo appearance on Breaking Bad in which he would walk on to the set of Los Pollos Hermanos, dressed as Nick Fury, completely unannounced as if he were a customer buying chicken from the restaurant.