Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, November 01, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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cirque
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The MaasaiThe Maasai are a largely nomadic pastoral people whose territory is divided between Tanzania and Kenya. Their distinctive customs and dress and their proximity to many East African game parks have made them one of the most internationally well-known African ethnic groups. The Maasai measure wealth in terms of cattle and children, rather than money, and someone who has plenty of one but not the other is considered poor. How does killing lions factor into traditional Maasai culture? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Malbone Street Wreck (1918)One of the deadliest train crashes in US history took place during a strike of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, some of whose members operated elevated trains for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (BRT). To keep service running, the BRT brought in inexperienced motormen to replace the striking workers. That evening, a five-car train derailed in the Malbone Street tunnel after negotiating a curve too quickly, killing 93. How many hours of training had the train's operator received? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887)Lowry was an English painter noted for his bleak northern industrial scenes, often featuring primitive figures that he called "matchstick men." He also appears to hold the record for the most honors declined. He twice declined appointment to the Order of the British Empire—as an officer in 1955 and as a commander in 1961—and turned down a knighthood in 1968 and appointments to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1972 and 1976. Which of his controversial works were exhibited after his death? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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have the courage of (one's) convictions— To have the confidence to act or behave in accordance with one's beliefs or ideologies, especially in the face of resistance, criticism, or persecution. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Samhain (2016)This ancient Celtic harvest festival was celebrated at the beginning of winter. According to Celtic folklore, this was the day when the souls of the dead and other supernatural entities gathered and would have access to the human realm—thus giving rise to the fears about ghosts and goblins that we now associate with Halloween, or Samhain Eve. More... | |
| In the News | |
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Researchers Have Found the First Fossilized Dinosaur BrainDinosaur fossils aren't always the mineralized remnants of bones. Every now and then, you get an impression of a footprint, or the trace outlines of a feathered arm or “wing.” Sometimes, paleontologists strike proverbial gold and find a segment of dinosaur... More... | |