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TIL of the Quasi-War, an undeclared war between the U.S. and France from 1798 to 1800. Fought mainly in the Caribbean and off the U.S. East Coast, it set a precedent for Congress to authorize military action without a formal war declaration, influencing later conflicts like Vietnam and the Gulf War.

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1aLZO TIL recent research argues that fear of spiders has cultural rather biological origins, is predominantly found in Western societies, and comes from an association between spiders and illness that started in the 10th century when the spider was blamed for the devastating epidemics that struck Europe.
ADGQw TIL that the longest tennis match in history was played at Wimbledon in 2010. It was 11 hours and 5 minutes long, played over 3 days. The final set lasted 8 hours and 11 minutes-longer than the previous record. After, both players and the umpire were given a crystal bowl and champagne flutes.
6Aww TIL In Belarus, a one-armed man was arrested for clapping
argA TIL in the Great Plague in England, sufferers in Eyam were persuaded by their church leader to quarantine themselves instead of running and spreading the disease. 260 out of 350 villagers died but are credited with saving 1000s of others through their actions.
M84a TIL that during a film sequence of Top Gun, an aircraft carrier captain changed the ships course and altered the lighting of a shot. Director tony Scott was told it would cost $25,000 to change its course. He quickly wrote a check, the course was reverted,and got 5 more minutes to get his shot.