Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, October 1, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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fretful
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The First Fatality in the Age of FlightUS Army First Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge was the first person killed in a powered airplane. The accident that caused his death occurred during a demonstration of the Wright Flyer for the US Army in September 1908. After a few successful circuits around Virginia's Fort Myer, the craft's right propeller broke, causing it to nose-dive into the ground. Selfridge, a passenger on the flight, sustained major head injuries and died that night. What happened to the pilot, Orville Wright? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Thrilla in Manila (1975)Frequently rated among the greatest boxing matches of all time, the Thrilla in Manila saw world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali meet rival Joe Frazier for the third—and final—time. Leading up to the match, Ali had publicly taunted Frazier, calling him a "gorilla." Because many believed Frazier to be past his prime, Ali—though older—was expected to win. However, the fight went on for 14 brutal rounds in the sweltering Manila heat, and neither man was able to knock out the other. Who won? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Vladimir Samoylovich Horowitz (1903)A Russian-American virtuoso pianist, Horowitz made his debut in Russia at 17. Within years, he was touring internationally, with much success. He eventually settled in the US, where his extraordinary technical virtuosity made him one of the most popular pianists of his time. Always susceptible to nervous strain, in 1953 he decided to quit performing publicly. He returned to the stage in 1965 and occasionally thereafter until his death. Why did Horowitz's father lie about his son's birthday? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Fear is sharp-sighted, and can see things underground, and much more in the skies.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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let (someone) off the hook— To pardon, release, or allow someone to escape from blame, responsibility, obligation, or difficulty. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Festival of the Holy Rosary (2017)The rosary is a string of beads used by Roman Catholics to count a ritual series of prayers consisting of 15 paternosters ("Our Fathers," also known as the Lord's Prayer), and 150 Ave Marias, or "Hail Marys." The festival, observed on the first Sunday in October, was established by Pope Pius V under the name of Santa Maria de Victoria (St. Mary of Victory). But the name was changed by Gregory XIII to Festival of the Rosary. Among the events for which the faithful in the former Yugoslavia give thanks on this day is the victory of Prince Eugene over the Turks at Belgrade in 1716. More... | |
| In the News | |
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Shocking 'blue hole' discovered in the Great Barrier ReefThe Great Barrier Reef has just gotten even cooler thanks to a fresh discovery. Marine biologist Johnny Gaskell discovered an incredible “Blue Hole” in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef when searching on Google Maps. “A blue hole is an underwater sinkhole formed ... More... | |