Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, April 26, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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shutout
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Operation Praying MantisIn April 1988, US naval forces launched Operation Praying Mantis, attacking several Iranian targets in retaliation for the mining of an American warship in the Persian Gulf. The battle, the largest for American surface forces since World War II, was the first surface-to-surface missile engagement in US Navy history. It resulted in the sinking of two Iranian warships and three speedboats and helped pressure Iran into a ceasefire that ended its eight-year war with what neighboring country? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Syria Ends Occupation of Lebanon (2005)In 1976, with his country embroiled in a deadly civil war, the Lebanese president turned to Syria for assistance. At his request, Syrian forces entered Lebanon. Despite their 29-year presence, the Syrians were unable to secure lasting stability. By 2005, Syrian influence in Lebanese government had provoked protests, which intensified after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Syrian troops finally withdrew in April. When did the two countries re-establish diplomatic relations? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (1798)Considered the foremost painter of the Romantic movement in France, Delacroix is known for his dramatic interpretations of scenes from mythology, literature, and political, religious, and literary history and for his sensuous use of color. His most influential work is 1830's revolution-themed Liberty Leading the People, which likely inspired the design of the Statue of Liberty. During a trip to Morocco, he painted many scenes of North African life. Why did he struggle to find subjects? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Akshya Tritiya (2020)The Hindu observance of Akshya Tritiya in India combines fasting and festivities. Akshya means "exempt from decay," and the devotions performed on this day are believed to last forever. Hindus fast and worship Vishnu, along with his consort Lakshmi, with holy Ganges water, tulsi or basil leaves, incense, flowers, lamps, and new clothes. Bathing in the Ganges River is a popular way to demonstrate one's devotion. Svetambara Jains also fast on this day, commemorating the fast observed by the first Tirthankara, who was given some sugar cane juice to break his fast. More... | |