Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, October 25, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Article of the Day | |
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 European Heat Wave of 2003The 2003 European heat wave was one of the hottest summers on record in Europe. Tens of thousands of people—mostly elderly—died in the extreme weather, with more than 14,000 perishing in France alone. Melting glaciers caused avalanches in Switzerland, and deadly forest fires wreaked widespread destruction in Portugal. In Germany, the lowest river levels in a century hindered shipping traffic. Wheat crops across Southern Europe failed. What agricultural product actually benefited from the heat? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 US Invades Grenada (1983)After a left-wing government took control of Grenada in a 1979 bloodless coup, relations between the tiny Caribbean nation and its neighbors became strained. In 1983, the government was overthrown by radicals from within the same movement. Concerned about Grenada's leanings toward Cuba and the Soviet bloc, the US invaded. World leaders were outraged, and the UN voted 108 to 9 to condemn the invasion. How did US President Ronald Reagan respond when asked whether the lopsided vote concerned him? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Georges Bizet (1838)A French composer, Bizet became disgusted with the frivolity of French opera and decided to change it. In 1875, his masterpiece, Carmen, premiered. Though its harsh realism repelled many, it eventually won international acclaim and is now one of the most popular operas in history. Sadly, Bizet did not live to see Carmen's success, dying just months after it premiered. Foul play was initially suspected, but the apparent gunshot wound on his neck was eventually attributed to what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 The soul most free is that most bound in thraldom to the ancient tyrant Love.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Rama Leela Festival (2020)The Hindu festival of Dussehra, observed on the 10th day of the waxing half of Asvina, celebrates the victory of the legendary hero Rama over the demon Ravana. The Rama Leela (or Ramalila) is a cycle of pageant plays based on the Hindu epic, Ramayana, which details the life and heroic deeds of Rama. Around the time of Dussehra, therefore, the Rama Leela is performed in towns and cities through northern India. The performances last between seven and 31 days, during which the Ramayana is constantly recited to the accompaniment of music. More... | |