Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, January 12, 2021)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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glutton
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| Article of the Day | |
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 EmbroideryThe art of decorating textiles with needle and thread has unclear origins, but examples of ancient embroidery have been found on the wrappings of Egyptian mummies, meaning it has been around for millennia. While some traditional embroidery techniques are specific to certain cultures, the basic stitches used to make patterns on fabric have remained the same for thousands of years. Embellishments like pearls, shells, and sequins sometimes adorn embroidered pieces. What is whitework embroidery? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Hundreds Killed in Hajj Stampede (2006)About one in four people in the world is Muslim, a demographic that includes more than a billion people. Each Muslim is required to visit Mecca, the Saudi Arabian city of Mohammed's birth, at least once in their lifetime. During the annual pilgrimage, or Hajj, Mecca bears an influx of millions of people. In 2006, during the final day of the requisite Stoning of the Devil ritual, some 350 people were crushed to death in the crowd. What other dangers have pilgrims faced during the Hajj? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies (1751)Ferdinand became king of Naples in 1759 when his father ascended to the Spanish throne. A weak ruler, he was greatly influenced by his wife, the arguably more capable Maria Carolina of Austria. The execution of her sister, Marie Antoinette of France, induced Ferdinand to fight against the French Revolution. The French then invaded Naples—twice. Ferdinand regained control of Naples and took over Sicily, but his despotism prompted an 1820 insurrection. What secret society influenced the uprising? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 So, naturalists observe, a fleaHas smaller fleas that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bite 'em; And so proceed ad infinitum. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Hostos Day (2021)Eugenio Maria de Hostos (1839-1903) was a Puerto Rican philosopher and patriot who became a leader of the opposition to Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century. He campaigned for the education of women in Brazil, and his books on law and education triggered reforms in other Latin American countries. He even sponsored the first railroad between Chile and Argentina, across the Andes Mountains. The anniversary of his birth is observed as a public holiday in Puerto Rico on the second Monday in January. More... | |