Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, July 19, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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repose
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Murano GlassMurano glass has been a famous product of the Venetian island of Murano for centuries and is still made today using the ancient techniques. The island's reputation as a glassmaking center was born when the Venetian Republic, fearful of fires that could destroy the city's mostly wood buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. Although Murano's glassmakers soon became the island's most prominent citizens, they had to adhere to one strict rule. What was it? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 France Declares War on Prussia (1870)The Franco-Prussian War was the outcome of the progressive unification of German states after the Napoleonic Wars. Events came to a head when the Spanish throne was offered to a member of the Prussian Hohenzollern family, raising the possibility of a Prussian-Spanish alliance against France. The French government demanded assurances that no member of the Hohenzollern family would ever rule Spain and declared war when it was refused. What famously insulting telegram prompted France's declaration? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Charles Horace Mayo (1865)Mayo was a gifted surgeon who, with his father, brother, and several other doctors, founded the world-renowned non-profit medical center in Minnesota that would become the Mayo Clinic. In addition to seeing patients, Mayo served as the health officer of Rochester, Minnesota, for many years and also taught medical students. He originated modern procedures in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery and reduced the death rate in goiter operations. What factor contributed to his early surgical success? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Woman inspires us to great things, and prevents us from achieving them.Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Folkmoot (2020)This two-week festival is held in the mountains at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina. It features more than 350 folk musicians and dancers from countries as diverse as Ecuador, Italy, Malaysia, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Slovenia, China, and the Philippines. Events include a Parade of Nations, a bazaar with local and regional artisans and food vendors, a special children's program, and performances by the folk dancers and musicians. Many of the events take place in the nearby town of Waynesville. More... | |