Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, August 25, 2015)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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oenophile
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Kingdom of SwazilandThe Kingdom of Swaziland is a small, landlocked, mountainous country in southeast Africa. In 1968, Swaziland achieved complete independence, but retained membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The country is cut by four major river systems, which are increasingly used for irrigation. Sugarcane is the country's leading export, but pineapple, citrus fruit, and cotton are also important agricultural exports. Why does Swaziland have the one of the world's lowest life expectancy rates? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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.jpg) Uruguay Declares Its Independence from Brazil (1825)In 1811, José Gervasio Artigas, who would become Uruguay's national hero, launched a successful revolution against the Spanish authorities who ruled a combined Uruguay and Argentina. Ten years later, the eastern province of Uruguay was annexed by Brazil, which was still under Portuguese rule. Brazil became independent from Portugal the following year, and in 1825, Uruguay declared independence from Brazil. Why is the country now called the Oriental Republic of Uruguay? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ivan the Terrible (1530)Ivan IV was the first ruler of Russia to formally assume the title "czar." His early reign saw modernization, expansion, and reform. However, after a near-fatal illness, a failed war against Sweden and Poland, and the death of a wife, Ivan's mental state deteriorated. He withdrew to his personal territory, and his later reign was marked by extreme violence, repression, and tyranny. He rid himself of unwanted wives by forcing them into convents. Why did Ivan murder his son—and only heir—in 1581? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 If a man could pass through Paradise in a dream, and have a flower presented to him as a pledge that his soul had really been there, and if he found that flower in his hand when he awake—Aye, what then?Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Schueberfouer (Shepherd's Fair) (2020)Also known as the Schueberfouer or Schuebermesse, the Shepherd's Fair held in Luxembourg City at the end of August every year dates back to 1340, when it was founded by John the Blind as a market for the wool and sheep merchants of medieval Europe. Today it is geared toward entertainment rather than commerce, with carousels, food stands, and candy booths everywhere. Practically the only remnant of the original fair is the Marche des Moutons (March of the Sheep), a parade of sheep decorated with ribbons and led by shepherds in folkloric costumes. More... | |