Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, May 4, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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nonchalance
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Gossamer AlbatrossThe Gossamer Albatross was a human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Paul B. MacCready. Constructed using a carbon fiber frame with polystyrene wings, the aircraft was powered using pedals to drive a large, two-bladed propeller. On June 12, 1979, amateur cyclist Bryan Allen successfully piloted it across the English Channel, completing the 22-mile (36-km) crossing in less than three hours and achieving a top speed of 18 mph (29 km/h). What was its average altitude? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Kent State Shootings (1970)In 1970, the US was in the midst of the Vietnam War, and antiwar demonstrations among students were common. When students at Ohio's Kent State University decided to protest the incursion of US forces into Cambodia, no one imagined it would end in tragedy. But National Guard troops called in to disperse the crowd opened fire, killing four and wounding nine others. The shooting sparked nationwide outrage and became a rallying point for antiwar activists. Where else were student protesters killed? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Horace Mann (1796)Mann overcame limited early education to enter law and politics. He became secretary of Massachusetts' new board of education in 1837, at a time when the public school system was in poor condition. In his 12 years there, he established high schools, enhanced teacher training and pay, curbed child labor, and improved facilities and equipment. He fought for free, nonsectarian, universal schooling, greatly advancing education in the US. What quote is engraved on his monument at Antioch College? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Now, I hold it is not decent for a scientific gentTo say another is an ass-at least, to all intent; Nor should the individual who happens to be meant Reply by heaving rocks at him to any great extent. Bret Harte (1836-1902) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition (2020)One of the world's most prestigious music competitions and the largest musical event in Brussels takes place throughout the month of May each year. Open to young competitors from around the world, it focuses on violinists, pianists, singers, and cellists in alternating years. Named for Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, it was started by violinist-composer Eugène Ysaÿe in 1937. The public is invited to attend every stage of the contest, from the initial tests at the Royal Conservatory of Music to the winner's performance at the Beaux Arts Palace. More... | |