Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, August 24, 2015)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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cembalo
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The NecktieA necktie is a narrow fabric band of varying length worn around the neck and tied in a knot or bow close to the throat. The modern tie, ascot, and bowtie are descended from the 17th c. cravat. Originally, the four-in-hand necktie was cut on the square and had square ends. The bias-cut necktie, introduced in 1926, allowed the tie to fall evenly from the knot without twisting. Using mathematical modeling, researchers have discovered 85 possible necktie knots. How many are "aesthetically pleasing"? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Pete Rose Is Banned from Baseball (1989)During his 24-year baseball career, Rose played in more games and got more hits than any player in history. Even so, the onetime Most Valuable Player could not avoid a lifetime ban from the sport after being accused of betting on baseball games—including those of his own team. In return for not having the charges formally proven, Rose accepted the banishment, which rendered him ineligible for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. However, he later spent five months in federal prison—for what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Siaka Stevens (1905)Almost immediately after being sworn in as prime minister of Sierra Leone in 1967, Stevens was overthrown in a coup. He was recalled from exile after another coup 13 months later. In 1971, he became the first president of Sierra Leone, and during his tenure he made Sierra Leone a single-party state. His administration was plagued by corruption and economic mismanagement, and despite economic and civil turmoil, he remained in office until his peaceful retirement in 1985. Who succeeded him? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 If all the world hated you and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved of you and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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Lady Luck— The personification of fortune, whether good or bad. (Sometimes spelled in lowercase.) More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 St. Bartholomew's Day (2017)St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of beekeepers and honey-makers, and for this reason it was traditional in England for the honey crop to be gathered on August 24. Since the main ingredient in mead—an ancient alcoholic drink that is still made in some parts of England today—is honey, the Blessing of the Mead is also observed on St. Bartholomew's Day. More... | |
| In the News | |
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From Pebble to Planet: Researchers Find Humble Beginnings of Gas GiantsNew research suggests that massive planets like Saturn and Jupiter started out with just a few small building blocks – more accurately building rocks – just half an inch or so across. In the spinning, swirling brew of the early solar system, surrounded by ... More... | |