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TIL about GRB 080319B: a gamma ray burst that is the most intrinsically bright object ever observed by humans in the universe and farthest object observable with the naked eye. It would be 21 quadrillion times brighter than the sun.

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16A9P TIL The Chequered flag originated in a road rally, in 1906. S.Walden divided the courses into sections; the time check at the end of each section was performed by race officials called "checkers". These checkers used Chequered flags to identify themselves.
Z8LYo TIL Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui studied agricultural economics in the United States at Iowa State University (M.A., 1953) and Cornell University (Ph.D., 1968). He served as a professor of economics and contributed much to Taiwan’s agricultural development
BrQad TIL: Beethoven was paid 4,000 florins a year from 1809 on the condition that he remained in Vienna for the rest of his life. This allowance was originally paid by three patrons but after the death of Princes Lobkowitz and Kinsky, Archduke Rudolph paid the amount in full until Beethoven died.
gMLZD TIL Radioactive steel accidentally contaminated with Cobolt-60 was used to build hundreds of apartments in Taiwan in 1980, that were occupied for 20 years, and some studies show beneficial outcomes from the exposure.
WkoE9 TIL At a prison facility in Nuuk, Greenland some inmates reportedly hold the keys to their own cells (to afford them privacy), and others may leave the premises during the day to go to work or school. Perhaps surprisingly, inmates are even allowed to go hunting with rifles to shoot birds and seals.