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TIL that when we sleep, our brain cells shrink, encouraging cerebrospinal fluid flow which flushes out toxins built up in the brain. This explains why we can’t think clearly after a sleepless night.

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d8rO8 TIL the government can seize private property and sell it to another private owner for vague promises of "economic development." Suzette Kelo had her home demolished to build hotel-retail space, but the developer cancelled the project and the lot is now vacant. SCOTUS ruled in the City's favor.
dDkld TIL about Deuteria, wife of Merovingian King Theudebert I, who had a daughter so beautiful, she killed her out of fear Theudebert would leave her for her daughter.
dD5PB TIL France's last king, Louis XVI (1754-1793) only saw the sea once in his entire life, despite his main residence, Versailles, being than 100 miles from the coast
bwx0 TIL the “t” in “often” became silent during the 16th and 17th centuries to simplify the word’s articulation, but as literacy rose in the 1800s, “t” began to reenter speech as more people became aware of spelling.
9YAQ7 TIL Linda Ronstadt, one of the biggest artists of all time, had trouble getting backing musicians because they didn't want to be sidemen to a woman. One of her backing bands included Don Henley and Glenn Frey, who would go on to form the Eagles, also one of the biggest artists of all time.