Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, December 15, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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hostler
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Tizard MissionThough the British made major scientific advances during World War II, by September 1940, they were mired in the Battle of Britain and unable to produce the new military technology that could help them win. Taking a gamble, prominent British scientist Henry Tizard led a mission to give Britain's secret military research to the US in the hope that it would be developed faster there—and that the US would share the results with Britain. It worked. What critical object did Tizard bring with him? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Jens Olsen's World Clock Is Started by Danish King Frederick IX (1955)Originally a skilled locksmith, Jens Olsen learned the trade of clock-making and, in the 1920s, designed an exceedingly intricate astronomical clock made of more than 14,000 parts. Today displayed in Copenhagen City Hall, the clock shows not only the time and date but also lunar and solar eclipses and the positions of stars and planets. The complex clock took over a decade to assemble, and Olsen died before his masterpiece was finally set in motion by King Frederick IX. Who helped him start it? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (37 CE)Nero became emperor of Rome by murdering his mother and step-brother. His respectful treatment of the Senate made him a popular emperor in the east, but his reign was marred by unemployment and a major revolt in Britain. After a fire ravaged Rome in 64 CE, he persecuted the Christians as scapegoats. With his reign in decline, Nero went on a murderous rampage, was condemned by the Senate, and chose suicide over execution. According to legend, Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Is it true? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 I can resist everything except temptation.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Bill of Rights Day (2020)The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution of 1787—referred to collectively as the Bill of Rights—were ratified on December 15, 1791. This landmark document protected American citizens from specific abuses by their government and guaranteed such basic rights as the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated December 15 as Bill of Rights Day and called upon Americans to observe it with appropriate patriotic ceremonies. More... | |