Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, April 17, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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decriminalize
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Pyroclastic FlowOne of the deadliest parts of a volcanic eruption, a pyroclastic flow is a gigantic current of gases and bits of rock that surges downhill at speeds of up to 450 mph (724 km/h) and temperatures of about 1,800° F (1,000° C). These deadly flows can cross water bodies and have the potential to generate tsunamis. During the 1902 eruption of Martinique’s Mount Pelée, a pyroclastic flow destroyed the entire city of Saint-Pierre, killing some 28,000. What other city was famously destroyed in this way? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Last French Troops Leave Syria (1946)Though France proclaimed Syria an independent republic in 1941, its troops were not withdrawn until 1946, after over 25 years of occupation. The occupation began in 1920, when the League of Nations gave the French a mandate over the Levant States—roughly present-day Syria and Lebanon. Within years, the Syrian resistance to French colonial rule became a full-scale revolt. A 1936 treaty promised Syrian independence, but it did not come to fruition. What finally brought about the occupation's end? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Artur Schnabel (1882)Schnabel was an Austrian-American pianist best known for his interpretations of Beethoven's piano works. Based in Berlin from 1900 to 1933, he composed, taught, and gave legendary performances of the complete sonatas of Beethoven and Schubert for centenary celebrations. In the 1930s, he became the first to record the complete Beethoven cycle. During the Nazi period, he moved to London, then to the US. Though his own compositions are less known, they are revered by serious pianists. Why? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would not have given them to such a scoundrel.Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Maimuna (2020)Jews in North Africa commemorate the philosopher and rabbi Moses Maimonides (1135-1204) on the evening of the last day of Passover and the day that follows. In Morocco, special displays of food are arranged on tables, including bowls of flour with eggs, broad green beans, stalks of wheat, and dates. Surrounding the bowls are honey, fruit, nuts, cookies, lettuce, wine, and a type of pancake known as muflita. After going to the synagogue, people stop to bless their friends and sample the refreshments at each home. Wherever possible, people dip their feet in streams, rivers, or the sea. More... | |