Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, June 20, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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necropsy
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Lernaean HydraIn Greek and Roman mythology, the Hydra was a giant, multi-headed serpent-like monster that lived in the swamps of Lerna. Its breath and blood were toxic, and it terrorized the region for years. The goddess Hera had hoped it would kill Heracles, one of the many children her husband Zeus had fathered as a result of an extramarital affair. Heracles—also known as Hercules—was sent to slay the creature, but each time he cut off one of its heads, two more grew back. How did he finally kill the Hydra? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Battle of Chalons (451 CE)Perhaps one of the most important battles of late antiquity, the Battle of Chalons is known only from written records and its exact location remains a mystery, though it probably took place in northeastern France. In this battle, the Romans and Visigoths stopped the advance of the Huns under Attila and, some say, preserved Western civilization. The battle was brutal, and legend holds that the ghosts of the dead continued to fight for days. By some accounts, the battle was fought over what woman? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Errol Flynn (1909)As a young man, the Australian-born Flynn led an adventurous life, pursuing various careers in the Pacific before taking up acting in England. He soon became a Hollywood star, playing swashbuckling heroes in such films as Captain Blood and Robin Hood. Scandals involving drinking and womanizing marred his reputation, and his career faltered until a lauded return in The Sun Also Rises in 1957. Numerous legends surround the circumstances of his death. What were his last words? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 That is one good thing about this world...there are always sure to be more springs.Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Gorilla Naming Ceremony (Kwita Izina) (2020)In Kinyarwandan, a language spoken primarily in Rwanda, Kwita Izina means "to give a name," referring to a long-standing ceremony for naming newborn Rwandan babies. In the 21st century, the tradition has extended to naming newborn mountain gorillas. First launched in 2005, the ceremony is a jubilant affair that includes traditional Rwandan dance and music. Each animal is publicly named by a notable figure from Rwanda or another country, and a fundraising gala dinner often accompanies the Kwita Izina to raise additional funds for gorilla conservation campaigns. More... | |