Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, July 23, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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recliner
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Personifications of DeathThe concept of death as a sentient entity is found in nearly every society. In Western culture, death is often called the "Grim Reaper" and is depicted as a hooded, skeletal figure that carries a scythe and either guides the deceased to the next world or actually causes the victim's death—leading to tales that he can be bribed or outwitted. In the Hindu scriptures, the lord of death, Yama, rides a black buffalo and carries a lasso. In Greek mythology, death is Thanatos, the twin brother of whom? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The "Gimli Glider": Air Canada Flight Runs Out of Fuel Mid-Flight (1983)The "Gimli Glider" is the nickname given to Air Canada Flight 143, which ran out of fuel on a routine flight from Montreal to Edmonton in 1983. The crew was able to glide the aircraft safely to an emergency landing at a retired airstrip in Gimli, Manitoba, even through part of the runway had been converted into a racetrack and a large event was being held there at the time. Amazingly, no passengers or bystanders suffered any serious injuries. Why did the plane run out of fuel? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Emil Jannings (1884)Jannings was an acclaimed silent film actor who, in 1929, won an Academy Award for best actor—becoming the first person presented with an Oscar. He earned the award for his performances in two films, one of which, The Way of All Flesh, is now considered a "lost film" since no copies of it are known to exist. The advent of sound in film effectively ended his Hollywood career, as he had a thick German accent. What scandalous association doomed any chance he later had of making a comeback? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Think not, is my eleventh commandment; and sleep when you can, is my twelfth.Herman Melville (1819-1891) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival (2020)The Aquatennial Festival that takes place in Minneapolis is not only a celebration of summer, but of the region's many rivers and lakes as well. Of the nearly 50 events in the festival, one of the most popular is the Milk Carton Boat Race, a competition for vessels made entirely from milk cartons. First held in 1940, the Aquatennial Festival also features such events as the evening Torchlight Parade and the Grande Day Parade, a sand castle competition, a sailing regatta, a triathlon, and a fireworks display. More than 800,000 people attend the 10-day annual festival. More... | |