Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, May 29, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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convolute
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Blast FurnaceBlast furnaces are apparatuses that extract metal from ore by removing oxygen from metal oxide. These tall, cylindrical smelting furnaces are fed from the top with a mix of ore, coke, and a flux, commonly limestone, while preheated compressed air is introduced under pressure from the bottom. As the contents become molten, the metal sinks and impurities, called slag, float to the top. Blast furnaces were first used in China more than 2,000 years ago. When did they appear in Europe? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring Sparks a Riot (1913)The Rite of Spring is a landmark ballet by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky that provoked a riot when it premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris. Expecting the demure conventions of classical ballet, the audience was caught off-guard by Stravinsky's dissonant score and Vaslav Nijinsky's violently untraditional choreography depicting fertility rites. Fistfights broke out between detractors and supporters, and chaos ensued. What Disney film popularized the ballet? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Bob Hope (1903)Famous for his "ski-jump" nose, superb timing, and irreverent attitude, Hope was an immensely popular American comedian. He debuted in vaudeville in the 1920s and later performed on radio, television, stage, and in more than 50 films. He hosted the Oscars a record-breaking 17 times over 38 years. A master of comic monologues and mildly bawdy one-liners, he was a tireless entertainer of US troops overseas. When asked on his deathbed at age 100 where he wanted to be buried, how did he respond? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed.Mark Twain (1835-1910) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Glyndebourne Festival Opera (2020)Now considered one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the world, the Glyndebourne Festival was founded in 1934 by music lover John Christie and his wife, Audrey Mildmay. During the current 11-week season, several full-length operas are presented, at least one of which is by Mozart. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been the main ensemble since 1964. The performances start in the late afternoon, and opera-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner so they can eat outdoors and enjoy the grounds during the 85-minute intermission. More... | |