Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, October 21, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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meanly
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Pyramid of the MagicianThe central structure in the ancient Mayan complex of Uxmal, Mexico, the Pyramid of the Magician is a step pyramid that was begun in the 6th century and expanded over the next 400 years. At the time, new temple pyramids were commonly built atop older ones, and this pyramid is the result of five nested temples. With its rounded sides, considerable height, steep slope, and elliptical base, the structure represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. How did it get its mysterious name? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Valentich Disappearance (1978)On October 21, 1978, 20-year-old Frederick Valentich disappeared while piloting a Cessna light aircraft over Australia. He was supposed to land at King Island, pick up a few friends, and return to Moorabbin Airport, but during his flight, he reported to air traffic control that a strange aircraft was flying close above him. No trace of Valentich or his aircraft was ever found, prompting some to speculate that he had been captured by a UFO. What was the last thing he told flight controllers? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ronald McNair (1950)A nationally recognized US physicist, accomplished saxophonist, and black belt in karate, McNair was selected to join NASA's astronaut training program in 1978. Six years later, aboard the space shuttle Challenger, he became the second African American in space. His next trip into orbit was to take place on the same shuttle on January 28, 1986, and McNair brought his sax along for the ride, intending to be the first to record an original piece of music in space. Why did this never happen? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged; no harm can be done.Jane Austen (1775-1817) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Valme (2018)The Romeriá (pilgrimage) of Our Lady of Valme involves a cross-country pilgrimage. The image of Our Lady of Valme is kept in the parish church of Dos Hermanas, but on this day she is carried in an elaborate procession to the shrine of Valme, on a hill overlooking Seville, Spain. The cart bearing the statue of the Virgin Mary is drawn by oxen with gilded horns. The pilgrims walk behind, and it takes about three hours to reach the sanctuary. Everyone rushes inside, and the mass begins. Afterwards, there is dancing, singing and drinking until sunset, when the image is escorted back to Dos Hermanas. More... | |