Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, September 13, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Renaissance FairsRenaissance fairs, outdoor gatherings in which historical periods—generally the Elizabethan Era—are recreated, were initially intended to be accurate historical reenactments but have since taken on a more theme park-like quality, particularly in the US. At these fairs, visitors may test their archery or axe-throwing skills, interact with costumed entertainers, and take in musical and theatrical acts, including jousting competitions. What debates exist within the Renaissance fair community? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Oslo Accords Officially Signed (1993)The Oslo Accords, providing for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the West Bank and Gaza and for limited Palestinian self-government, resulted from the first direct negotiation between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Though talks were conducted in secret in Oslo, Norway, the agreement was signed publicly in Washington, DC. It was signed in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat, yet neither signed it. Who did? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Walter Reed (1851)Reed was an American army doctor, pathologist, and bacteriologist. He began studying the transmission of yellow fever in 1897. Three years later, he was sent to Havana, Cuba, as head of an army commission to investigate an outbreak of the disease among American soldiers. He proved that yellow fever was spread by infected mosquitoes, and, in 1901, efforts to combat an outbreak in Havana succeeded within 90 days. Walter Reed Army Hospital is named in his honor. What medical malady killed Reed? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Avening Pig Face Day (2020)A number of explanations have been offered for the custom of eating pig's face sandwiches on the Sunday nearest Holy Cross Day (September 14) in the Cotswold village of Avening, England. One involves Matilda of Flanders (d. 1083), the wife of William the Conqueror. She built a church there that was completed on September 14, and the Queen is said to have held a boar's head dedication feast. Today there is an evening anniversary service, after which the villagers participate in an 11th-century banquet headed by Queen Matilda and other historic characters in period costume. More... | |