Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, January 2, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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enkindle
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Fresnel LensA Fresnel lens is a thin optical lens that has the properties of much thicker and heavier lenses. It consists of concentric rings of segmental lenses that bend and magnify light rays, creating a single, concentrated beam of light. This design allows the lens to capture more oblique light from a light source than conventional lenses, making its beam visible across greater distances. The light from the first Fresnel lens, placed in a lighthouse in 1823, could be seen from how far away? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Second Ibrox Disaster (1971)On several occasions in the 1960s, spectators at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, were killed or injured while trying to exit through the stairway closest to the nearby subway station, raising questions about safety. Tragically, 66 people were crushed to death in the staircase in early 1971. The crush is believed to have been triggered when, after a late goal by the home team, thousands of fans attempted to leave at the same time—and someone fell. What claimed 25 lives at Ibrox in 1902? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873)Born into a devout Catholic family, Thérèse entered the convent at Lisieux at age 15. Plagued by depression and guilt, she was prompted by her prioress to write an account of her spiritual development. It describes her "Little Way," an absolute, childlike surrender to God. After her death at 24, the book was published as Story of a Soul, and her grave became a pilgrimage site. Though its national church does not recognize her as such, Catholics consider her a patron saint of what country? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Folklore, legends, myths, and fairy tales have followed childhood through the ages, for every healthy youngster has a wholesome and instinctive love for stories fantastic, marvelous, and manifestly unreal.L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Haiti Ancestors' Day (2021)In Haiti, the Independence Day festivities that occur on the first day of the year continue into the second with Jour des Aieux (Ancestors' Day), an occasion for remembering the founders of Haiti and those who sacrificed their lives during the revolution of the early 19th century. A large meal often accompanies the day's festivities, and military processions may also take place on Ancestors' Day. In years past, particularly during the reign of President François Duvalier (1971–1986), the executive leader used this day to broadcast speeches to the nation. More... | |