Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, August 28, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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solecism
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Carnivorous PlantsUsually found in places with thin or nutrient-poor soil, carnivorous plants derive some or most of their sustenance by attracting, trapping, and digesting insects, small animals, and protozoans. Though there are hundreds of species of carnivorous plants, they all attract and trap prey using any of 5 basic mechanisms: pitfall traps, flypaper traps, snap traps, bladder traps, and lobster-pot traps. Just two species are classified as “active” snap traps; one is the Venus flytrap, what is the other? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 First Issue of Scientific American Magazine Is Published (1845)In 1845, Rufus Porter—an eccentric inventor, painter, and editor—published the first issue of Scientific American, a weekly newspaper about new inventions. By 1853, its circulation had reached 30,000 and it was reporting on various sciences, such as astronomy and medicine. In 1921, it became a monthly. Its solidly-researched, well-written articles, accompanied by illustrations and explanations, have made it a highly regarded publication. How much did the first subscriptions cost? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 William Robertson Davies (1913)Davies was one of Canada's most distinguished writers. Educated at Oxford, he produced more than 30 works of fiction throughout his long literary career, as well as plays, essays, and criticism. Among the themes explored in his densely plotted novels are life's moral dimensions and the isolation of the spirit. He is best known for his three novel trilogies dealing with life and culture in fictional Ontario villages. What innovative technology, considered indispensible today, did he proudly shun? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 There are two good things in life, freedom of thought and freedom of action.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Puccini Festival (2020)The Puccini Festival is held annually each summer in Torre del Lago in Tuscany, Italy, to honor and celebrate Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), the Italian composer of such beloved operas as La Boheme and Madame Butterfly. Throughout August, the festival presents distinguished and often innovative productions of Puccini's works. The productions take place in an open-air theatre close to the Villa Mausoleum, where Puccini lived and worked. Events such as talks and art exhibitions about Puccini's life and work are held throughout the area all summer as well. More... | |