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TIL the origin of the name "California" probably came from a reference to a fictional island described in a popular novel of the time of its discovery: Las Sergas de Esplandián.

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ok9K TIL that watches have “IIII” instead of “IV” for 4 because a French king thought it looked better. Watches with “IV” are likely British just to piss the French off.
MeMGB TIL that though Japan is notorious for its long work hours, “American workers clocked in more average annual hours than Japanese workers in 2016.”
mvpv TIL That the Laws of War allow soldiers to wear an enemy’s uniform, but does not allow them to engage in combat while wearing the uniform.
OoWye TIL that Stephen King published his novel Under the Dome in 2009, just a few years after an episode of The Simpsons with a similar dome-related plot was aired. King described himself as “gobsmacked,” as he hadn’t realized he had been beaten to the punch.
yZEe TIL - A fan of ‘Big Brother Australia’ host Bree Amer spent a year and over $500 stalking her by letter and phone, urging her to get tested for cancer. When a friend insisted she follow his advice, she was found to have thyroid cancer.