Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, September 19, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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chasten
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Green FlashA green flash is a refractive phenomenon in which the top edge of the setting—or, less frequently, rising—sun momentarily turns emerald green. It is usually seen over a low distant horizon, such as that of the ocean or a prairie, when the sky is clear. It occurs primarily because the atmosphere acts like a weak prism, refracting sunlight and separating it into different colors. The green color lasts from a fraction of a second to two seconds. What is a green rim and when can it be observed? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Ötzi the Iceman Is Discovered by German Tourists (1991)In 1991, two hikers discovered a well-preserved corpse trapped in ice near the border between Austria and Italy. It proved to be that of a man who lived about 5,300 years ago—making it the oldest natural mummy ever found. He was nicknamed Ötzi, for the Ötztal Alps where he was found. Also recovered were clothes, shoes, tools, weapons, fire-starting materials, and medicine. Scientists have since determined that Ötzi ate about eight hours before his death. What did he eat, and how did he die? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Lajos Kossuth (1802)Now considered a national hero, Kossuth was a Hungarian revolutionary who favored dissolving the union between the Hungarian and Austrian crowns. The fiery orator was a principal figure of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution. Appointed provisional governor, he soon became virtual dictator. In 1849, Russian armies intervened in favor of Austria, forcing him to resign. He fled to Turkey and later to Italy, where he watched as Hungary reconciled with the Austrian monarchy. What did he do while in exile? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 As to people saying a few idle words about us, we must not mind that, any more than the old church-steeple minds the rooks cawing about it.George Eliot (1819-1880) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Samuel Johnson Commemoration (2020)Samuel Johnson, the English lexicographer, writer, critic, and conversationalist, was born on this day in 1709. His hometown of Lichfield commemorates its most famous citizen by laying a laurel wreath at the foot of his statue, after which the cathedral choir sings religious songs and intones Dr. Johnson's final prayer on the steps of his birth house. In the evening, there is a candlelight supper based on Dr. Johnson's favorite meal: steak-and-kidney pudding with mushrooms or mutton. The guests are served ale and hot punch by people dressed in costumes of the 18th century. More... | |