Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, December 25, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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hornswoggle
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Cock ThrowingWidely practiced in England until the 19th century, cock throwing was a blood sport in which people took turns throwing heavy sticks at a rooster tied to a stake until it died. If a rooster became too injured to stand, it could be propped up on sticks for the remainder of the game. It was a popular pastime for people of all classes, particularly among the young, and was traditionally practiced on Shrove Tuesday—even after it was banned. What were some variations on the brutal game? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The "Christmas Truce" of World War I (1914)As Christmas approached in the early months of World War I, British and German troops stationed on the Western Front took it upon themselves to stage an unofficial cease-fire. Roughly 100,000 troops participated in this inspiring display of humanity. Over the course of the brief cessation of hostilities, enemy soldiers caroled together, exchanged gifts, played football, and even attended funerals together. What steps did officials later take to prevent such a cease-fire from happening again? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Jesus (c. 4 BCE)The primary sources for the life and teachings of Jesus—the central figure of Christianity—are the Gospels, but references to his life also appear in the works of non-Christian writers of antiquity, including Tacitus, Suetonius, Pliny the Younger, and Josephus. Most scholars agree that Jesus was born just before the death of King Herod the Great in 4 BCE. The earliest extant reference to December 25 as Jesus' birthday is in the Philocalian Calendar of Rome in 336 CE. What was Jesus' surname? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.Mark Twain (1835-1910) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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food baby— A large amount of food in one's stomach from having just eaten a big meal, especially when it is protruding (and thus resembles the belly of one who is pregnant). More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Christmas (Greece) (2022)According to Greek folklore, supernatural beings with unusual powers are present upon earth during the 12 days between Christmas Eve and Epiphany. The name for these spirits is kallikantzari, and they wander about during the Christmas season causing mischief. They are ugly and unkempt, and their favorite way of getting into the house is through the chimney, much like the traditional Santa Claus. Christmas masqueraders often dress in animal skins to represent these demons, and their jangling bells are supposed to drive the spirits away. More... | |