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TIL while trying to eclipse the Eiffel Tower for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, an inventor named J. B. McComber proposed a 8,947 foot tower which would have rails extending from the top, leading all the way to New York City, Baltimore, and Boston, on which fair-goers could toboggan all the way home

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ADE6d TIL There was a military variant of the VW Beetle called the "Kübelwagen". Despite only being two wheel drive, it outperformed nearly every other vehicle during testing. Due to its flat belly, it would propel itself like a sled if the wheels sank into snow, mud, or sand.
N7ZEb TIL of Vermin Supreme, who ran for President on the promises of time travel research, zombie apocalypse awareness, mandatory teeth brushing, and a free pony for every American.
Lkngd TIL that the pope has a summer/vacation home know as the Palace of Castel Gandolfo and it is technically an exclave of Vacation City.
VM1D4 TIL in 2013, female stockings covered in fake male hair became a fashion hit in China as a way to deter unwanted male attention.
x6NJD TIL that Magnesium helped advance photojournalism. The first photography flash, a powder mix of Mg & potassium, created bright light when ignited. Jacob Riis was an early adopter and used it to document life in the often dark NYC's tenements. His work sparked public outcry, and then housing reforms