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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 Siad Barre Leads Coup to Become President of Somalia (1969)Following the assassination of Somalia's president in 1969, a military coup installed Major General Mohamed Siad Barre as leader. His dictatorial administration was marked by human rights abuses and civil strife. Though he sought to end pervasive clan loyalties, warfare among rival factions intensified. In 1991, he was ousted. The country plunged into a civil war and has had no effective central government since. How did Siad Barre's regime terrorize the Majeerteen clan in particular? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (1917)Considered one of the main innovators of bebop along with Charlie Parker, Gillespie was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. His virtuosity and comic wit—in addition to his trademark puffed cheeks and 45-degree upturned trumpet bell—made him one of the most charismatic and influential musicians in jazz. Gillespie was once struck by a car while riding his bicycle. Though he was injured only slightly, a jury awarded him $1,000 because he could no longer do what? 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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 Festival of the Black Christ (2020)One legend associated with the observance of this festival in Portobelo, Panama, says that during a cholera epidemic on the Isthmus, the people discovered a statue of a black Christ and brought it into the church. Within a few days, the cholera had completely disappeared from Portobelo, even though it continued to rage elsewhere. The people of Portobelo honor El Jesús Nazarene by carrying the statue in procession on a decorated platform through the city. Pilgrims come from all over Panama, as they have for more than 300 years, to celebrate with folk dancing, music, and songs. More... | |