Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, November 9, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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smooth-tongued
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The GIUK GapThe GIUK gap is a naval warfare bottleneck in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland (G), Iceland (I), and the United Kingdom (UK). Such geographic "chokepoints" are of strategic importance, as they form relatively narrow passages that are more easily patrolled and secured. During the Cold War, the West kept a close eye on Soviet submarine activity through the gap, while the Soviets monitored it for any forces headed their way. What monitoring system did the US develop for this purpose? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Bosnian War: 427-Year-Old Stari Most Destroyed (1993)Arching high above the Neretva River, the Stari Most—or "Old Bridge"—was a 16th-century bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the greatest architectural works of its time. Despite being of little strategic value, it was shelled during wartime by Croat forces. After the war, it was carefully rebuilt as close to its original dimensions as possible. Divers were even brought in to recover materials that had fallen into the river. What dangerous competition is held on the bridge each summer? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818)Considered one of the foremost Russian novelists and dramatists, Turgenev became known for his realistic, affectionate portrayals of Russian peasantry as well as for his penetrating studies of the intelligentsia. His works, which include the controversial masterpiece Fathers and Sons, are thought to have influenced the end of serfdom in Russia. His rocky friendship with Leo Tolstoy included a 17-year period during which the men did not speak to each other after Tolstoy did what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 When he stepped off the straight and narrow path of his peculiar honesty, it was with an inward assertion of unflinching resolve to fall back again into the monotonous but safe stride of virtue as soon as his little excursion into the wayside quagmires had produced the desired effect.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Birthday of Muhammad Iqbal (2020)In Pakistan, November 9 is a national holiday to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a famous Pakistani poet and philosopher. Iqbal was born in the city of Sialkot in the Punjab province of Pakistan on November 9, 1877. On this day, a number of functions are held to honor the great poet. Many educational institutions sponsor programs that showcase his life and achievements. In addition to the main function at Iqbal's tomb, the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi exhibits Iqbal's personal belongings, including his costumes, books and publications. More... | |