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TIL: That the phrase “Can’t hold a candle next to (insert name here).” Stems from the fact that apprentices used to be expected to hold the candle so that more experienced workmen were able to see what they were doing. Someone unable even to do that would be of low status indeed.

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via reddit.com

xVWEB TIL of Jean de Selys Longchamps, a Belgian aristocrat who flew with the RAF during World War II. After learning that his father had been murdered by the Nazis, he flew to Brussels and machine gunned the Gestapo headquarters. He was demoted for insubordination but also awarded a medal for heroism
x6Ek7 TIL: The only Congressional Medal of Honor not presented publicly at the White House and not by the President was Captain William McGonagle's medal for his actions during the 1967 attack on his ship
xVBr7 TIL: That China controls a huge share in the American media, movies, Theaters. They own 13% of American movie screens. This gives them control on what is released, and as well as a voice in the production of movies. They are also heavily invested in Sony Pictures.
NXrAe TIL Memphis, TN, had 4 mayors between December 31, 1939 and January 1, 1940. A new one who had already served as mayor was sworn in at midnight on January 1 and immediately resigned, then the Vice Mayor temporarily became mayor while they chose someone else to be mayor.
b9WPE TIL Greek Folklore says kids born between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6) are considered doomed to become kallikantzaros, a kind of half-human, half-demon vampire - with talons that lives in the underworld and comes back to Earth to tear its family members to pieces during the Christmas holidays.