Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, August 25, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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indolence
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Mob FootballMob football, a precursor to modern soccer and rugby, emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. It typically involved an unlimited number of players from neighboring villages. The rules were vague and few. In some versions, any means short of murder could be used to move the ball back and forth. The game likely resembled a riot, and although mob football became an annual tradition in some places, it was frequently banned. According to legend, what was used as the first football? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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.jpg) Uruguay Declares Its Independence from Brazil (1825)In 1811, José Gervasio Artigas, who would become Uruguay's national hero, launched a successful revolution against the Spanish authorities who ruled a combined Uruguay and Argentina. Ten years later, the eastern province of Uruguay was annexed by Brazil, which was still under Portuguese rule. Brazil became independent from Portugal the following year, and in 1825, Uruguay declared independence from Brazil. Why is the country now called the Oriental Republic of Uruguay? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ivan the Terrible (1530)Ivan IV was the first ruler of Russia to formally assume the title "czar." His early reign saw modernization, expansion, and reform. However, after a near-fatal illness, a failed war against Sweden and Poland, and the death of a wife, Ivan's mental state deteriorated. He withdrew to his personal territory, and his later reign was marked by extreme violence, repression, and tyranny. He rid himself of unwanted wives by forcing them into convents. Why did Ivan murder his son—and only heir—in 1581? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Marriage is a very good thing, but I think it's a mistake to make a habit of it.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Schueberfouer (Shepherd's Fair) (2020)Also known as the Schueberfouer or Schuebermesse, the Shepherd's Fair held in Luxembourg City at the end of August every year dates back to 1340, when it was founded by John the Blind as a market for the wool and sheep merchants of medieval Europe. Today it is geared toward entertainment rather than commerce, with carousels, food stands, and candy booths everywhere. Practically the only remnant of the original fair is the Marche des Moutons (March of the Sheep), a parade of sheep decorated with ribbons and led by shepherds in folkloric costumes. More... | |