Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, August 18, 2015)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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aviary
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Sea UrchinsThe sea urchin, a spiny sea creature related to the starfish, is found in oceans all over the world. Its body wall is a firm, globose shell, made of fused skeletal plates. Five rows of the skeletal plates are pierced by pores for its tube feet, which it uses, along with its spines, for locomotion. Sea urchin "roe," which is actually made from the organs that produce the roe, is considered a delicacy in Mediterranean regions and Japan, where it has been sold for what price? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Genghis Khan Dies (1227)Though infamous for slaughtering entire cities and destroying fields and irrigation systems, Genghis Khan is admired for his military brilliance. The emperor-warrior consolidated nomadic tribes into a unified Mongolia and led them to conquer much of Asia from the Pacific coast to Eastern Europe. He died on a military campaign in China, and the empire was divided. The circumstances of his death are unclear. According to legend, how did his descendants ensure that his grave would remain hidden? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Antonio Salieri (1750)Italian composer and conductor Antonio Salieri moved to Vienna, Austria, in 1766 with his music teacher, imperial court composer Florian Gassmann. When Gassmann died, Salieri took his position and went on to become Vienna's most popular opera composer for the remainder of the 18th century. Beethoven, Schubert, and Liszt were among his most famous students. Though Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were rivals, the story that he poisoned Mozart is likely untrue. How did their rivalry begin? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Gokarna Aunsi (2020)A Hindu festival unique to Nepal, Gokarna Aunsi honors fathers living and dead. It is celebrated during the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada (between August or early September). In Nepalese culture, fathers are highly regarded as the pillars of the family and the community. Children show their appreciation by giving presents and sweets. After the presentation of gifts, it is customary for sons to touch their fathers' feet with their foreheads, while daughters will touch their hands. This gesture is known as "looking upon father's face." Those whose fathers are deceased also pay tribute. More... | |