Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, February 11, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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leeway
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Peacock Angel of the YezidiThe Yezidi, or Yazidi, are members of a syncretistic religion that developed during the 12th century and mingles folk traditions with the beliefs and practices of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. According to Yezidi tradition, the world is under the care of 7 Holy Beings, or Angels. Preeminent among these is Melek Taus, or the Peacock Angel, leader of the archangels and a demiurge whose tears of repentance quenched the fires of hell. Why do some people believe the Yezidi are devil worshippers? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Tewodros II Crowned Emperor of Ethiopia (1855)Often called Ethiopia's first modern ruler, Tewodros was a bold and clever warrior who came to the throne through the conquest of other chiefs, reunifying the various Ethiopian kingdoms into one empire. He attempted to modernize the country, abolish feudalism and slavery, and focus loyalty around the government rather than the church but failed to achieve this during his reign. His later years were marked with instability and cruelty. Why did he assume the name Tewodros upon taking the throne? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Gian Francesco Poggio Bracciolini (1380)An Italian humanist and calligrapher, Poggio Bracciolini is remembered today for two reasons. As a secretary, historian, and copyist, he uncovered many forgotten and neglected Latin manuscripts—including works by Cicero and Lucretius—that might otherwise have been lost to history. He is also famous for his extraordinarily beautiful and legible handwriting, which was later developed into roman type, the predecessor of almost all non-italic fonts. Whose handwriting was the basis for italic fonts? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Flowers...are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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.svg.png) Cameroon Youth Day (2021)This national holiday in the west-African nation of Cameroon celebrates the country's young people. School children and youth groups participate in parades, often accompanied by university students in marching bands. Businesses sell food and merchandise along the parade routes. Many schools and youth groups also organize art exhibits and sports activities. The theme of Youth Day is to encourage Cameroon's young people to renounce violence and other unsavory behaviors and to embrace education, sports, and artistic activities. More... | |