Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, October 13, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Article of the Day | |
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 PattensPattens are various types of wooden-soled footwear, such as sandals or clogs, worn by men and women of the Middle Ages to increase their height or to keep their feet out of the mud or dirt of the street. In use until the early 20th century, pattens were worn outdoors over normal shoes and held in place by leather or cloth bands. Their name is derived from the Middle English word patin, which may come from the Old French word pate, meaning what? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Cornerstone of the White House Is Laid in Washington, DC (1792)Originally called the "President's Palace," the official residence of the president of the United States was designed by Irish-American architect James Hoban with guidance from President George Washington, whose term ended before he was able to move in. Some slaves took part in the construction, which lasted eight years. Today, the White House is the oldest public building in Washington. Very little of the original structure survived an 1814 fire, set by British troops in retaliation for what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Mary Henrietta Kingsley (1862)Kingsley was an English explorer and writer who challenged and influenced European ideas about Africa. Following the deaths of her parents, Kingsley travelled to West Africa to complete her father's unfinished book. There, she studied local customs and explored uncharted territory. Returning to her native England, she criticized missionary efforts and defended traditional African culture—including aspects such as polygamy. Another female explorer introduced her to what murderous tribal custom? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 He was a bold man that first eat an oyster.Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Festa da Luz (2020)The two-week Festival of Light held every year in Belém, Pará State, Brazil, honors Our Lady of Nazareth. Her image is carried through the streets to the cathedral on Saturday night in a berlinda or glass enclosure set upon wheels. Behind comes the "Miracle Car"—a heavy platform inscribed with images of the miracles performed by the Virgin—carried on the shoulders of strong men who perform this service as a form of penance. The pilgrimage that accompanies the Festival of Light dates back to the year 1700. More... | |