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TIL the creation of the Guinness World Records was created by a staff member of Guinness Breweries who wanted a book that could easily be referenced to settle arguments at pubs.

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oWaE TIL The Christian cross actually pre-dates Christianity in usage. It dates back to ancient Babylon and the worship of the sun-gods Mithra and Tammuz. It wasn’t used by Christians until fourth century after Emperor Constantine (a pagan sun-worshipper) had a vision of the cross in front of the sun.
OJM6 TIL the Liters of Light project uses no electricity to illuminate windowless homes in and beyond the Philippines - their solution uses a recycled plastic bottle with some water and bleach yet provides the equivalent output of a 60-watt bulb
Yp60B TIL of the "Elfstedentocht" (eleven city tour). An ice skating tour held on natural ice in the province of Frisia. It visits all 11 historical towns in Frisia and spans almost 200 km. It can only take place when the weather is favorable and has only taken place 15 times since the first one in 1909.
VMv8Z TIL Cato the Elder's constant reiteration of "Carthage must be destroyed" was countered by Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica Corculum's constant reiteration of "Carthage should be preserved". Scipio's opinion prevailed at the time because many Romans believed that the threat of Carthage united them.
DmMv TIL: After filming ELF, Will Ferrell gave James Caan the GODFATHER trilogy with a note saying “Great working with you. The first one is a little bit slow, but the second two are really good.”