Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, April 26, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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shutout
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Operation Praying MantisIn April 1988, US naval forces launched Operation Praying Mantis, attacking several Iranian targets in retaliation for the mining of an American warship in the Persian Gulf. The battle, the largest for American surface forces since World War II, was the first surface-to-surface missile engagement in US Navy history. It resulted in the sinking of two Iranian warships and three speedboats and helped pressure Iran into a ceasefire that ended its eight-year war with what neighboring country? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Syria Ends Occupation of Lebanon (2005)In 1976, with his country embroiled in a deadly civil war, the Lebanese president turned to Syria for assistance. At his request, Syrian forces entered Lebanon. Despite their 29-year presence, the Syrians were unable to secure lasting stability. By 2005, Syrian influence in Lebanese government had provoked protests, which intensified after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Syrian troops finally withdrew in April. When did the two countries re-establish diplomatic relations? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (1798)Considered the foremost painter of the Romantic movement in France, Delacroix is known for his dramatic interpretations of scenes from mythology, literature, and political, religious, and literary history and for his sensuous use of color. His most influential work is 1830's revolution-themed Liberty Leading the People, which likely inspired the design of the Statue of Liberty. During a trip to Morocco, he painted many scenes of North African life. Why did he struggle to find subjects? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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on (someone's) behalf— For the benefit, interest, or support of someone; as an agent, representative, or in place of someone. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 John Audubon Day (2017)John James Audubon (1785-1851) was America's foremost ornithological illustrator. After his death in 1851, Audubon's wife Lucy returned to teaching to support herself. One of her students, George Bird Grinnell, in 1886 organized the Audubon Society for the study and protection of birds. Today there are many branches of this organization, known as the National Audubon Society, and its members honor Audubon on his birthday, April 26. In some states, Audubon Day and Arbor Day are celebrated together by planting trees in bird sanctuaries. More... | |
| In the News | |
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Premature Lambs Kept Alive in 'Plastic Bag' WombScientists have been able to keep premature lambs alive for weeks using an artificial womb that looks like a plastic bag. It provides everything the foetus needs to continue growing and maturing, including a nutrient-rich blood supply and a protective ... More... | |