Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, January 22, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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risible
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Endurance RidingEndurance riding is an equestrian sport in which horseback riders race long distances, usually 50 or 100 miles (80 or 160 km). To ensure the safety of the horses during the rides, veterinarians periodically inspect the animals and eliminate from competition any horse deemed unfit. Although any breed can compete, Arabian horses often dominate the top levels of the sport due to their natural speed and stamina. How long do winners usually take to cross the finish line in 100-mile (160-km) races? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Swiss Guard Arrives at the Vatican (1506)Though various units of Swiss Guards have existed throughout history, the most famous unit—and the only one remaining—is responsible for the safety of the Pope. Known for their colorful uniforms, the guards must be single, Swiss, and Catholic and must have completed Swiss military training. The first 150 Swiss mercenaries were invited to the Vatican during the reign of Pope Julius II. In 1527, 147 of the Swiss Guards were killed while helping the Pope escape from whom? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Pierre Gassendi (1592)As a priest and a professor, Gassendi lectured on theology in his native southeastern France. However, as a philosopher, scientist, and astronomer, he was compelled to try to reconcile his scientific beliefs with the teachings of the church. Dissatisfied with the teachings of Aristotle, he came to espouse empiricism and atomism, the belief that tiny, indestructible particles form the basic building blocks of the entire universe. In 1631, he became the first person to observe what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 I have heard men talk of the blessings of freedom, ... but I wish any wise man would teach me what use to make of it now that I have it.Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 St. Vincent's Day (2021)São Vicente St. Vincent of Saragossa is the patron saint of Lisbon, Portugal. In Lisbon, people celebrate his feast day with processions and prayers. But in the surrounding rural areas, there are a number of folk traditions associated with this day. Farmers believe that by carrying a resin torch to the top of a high hill on January 22, they can predict what the coming harvest will be like. If the wind extinguishes the flame, the crops will be abundant; if the torch continues to burn, a poor growing season lies ahead. More... | |