Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, September 12, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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unequivocal
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The 1421 HypothesisAccording to the 1421 hypothesis, between 1421 and 1423, during the Ming Dynasty of China, a fleet of Chinese ships traveled to many parts of the world unknown to contemporary Europe, including Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Antarctica, Greenland, and the Northeast Passage. The hypothesis is allegedly based on evidence from shipwrecks, old maps, Chinese documents, and accounts by navigators such as Christopher Columbus. Why have professional historians largely dismissed this hypothesis? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 South African Anti-Apartheid Activist Steve Biko Dies in Police Custody (1977)A former medical student, Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa in 1968 to combat racism and apartheid. He was officially "banned" by the South African government in 1973 and was arrested several times in the years that followed. Arrested for the last time in 1977, he was tortured and beaten to death in police custody, prompting international protests and a UN arms embargo. Twenty years later, five former policemen admitted killing him. Why were they never prosecuted? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Henry Louis "H.L." Mencken (1880)Often regarded as one of the most influential American writers of the early 20th century, Mencken was a journalist, satirist, social critic, and cynic known as the "Sage of Baltimore," for the city where he lived his entire life. Perhaps best remembered for his satirical reporting on the Scopes evolution trial, which he dubbed the "Monkey trial," Mencken was frequently critical of myriad institutions. Why did the Arkansas legislature pass a motion in 1931 to pray for Mencken's soul? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death...She could not say, "I'm glad to go," for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, "I try to be willing."Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Dally in the Alley (2020)Dally in the Alley is a one-day arts fair that takes place on the Saturday after Labor Day in the North Cass neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. The Dally began as a community block party and art fair in 1977. It expanded into a performing arts festival and moved to its current location in 1982, when it became known as the "Dally in the Alley," the name of an English pub song. Each year more than 30,000 visitors attend the festival, which includes music, a curated art show, poetry and writing workshops, children's activities, food, and refreshments—particularly beer. More... | |