Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, January 23, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Article of the Day | |
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 RubiesRubies are precious gemstones that range in color from light pink to blood red and are second only to the diamond in hardness. They are found chiefly in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka and are classified among the most valuable of gems. The rare star ruby, which shows an internal star-shaped formation when cut into a cabochon, is an example of a gemstone whose value is actually increased by an inclusion. Why can rubies be found beneath building foundations in some Asian countries? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Principality of Liechtenstein Is Created (1719)Occupying 62 square miles (160 sq km) between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein was formed when the Austrian family of the same name purchased the lordships of Schellenberg and Vaduz in the Holy Roman Empire. It became fully independent in 1866. Today, the tiny mountainous country has no airport, no military, and very little crime. It is best known for its financial industry but is also a leading producer of sausage casings and false teeth. What is Liechtenstein's population? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Édouard Manet (1832)One of the foremost French artists of the 19th century, Manet is often regarded as the father of modern painting. Rebelling against the academic tradition, he developed a realist style that was one of the founding forces of Impressionism. Although his talent is recognized today, Manet was often greeted with harsh criticism during his career, including for his paintings Le déjeuner sur l'herbe—The Luncheon on the Grass—and Olympia. Why were the paintings controversial? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 We must eat to live and live to eat.Henry Fielding (1707-1754) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 San Ildefonso Pueblo Feast Day (2021)These late-January festivities mark a highlight in the ceremonial year at San Ildefonso Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico. January 23 is the pueblo's feast day, celebrated with a special church service and dances, such as the Buffalo, Comanche, and Deer dances. The dances are a way of paying respect and giving thanks for the animals on which people depend for food and other materials. On the evening before, there are bonfires and a firelight procession. More... | |