Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, January 19, 2022)Word of the Day | |||||||
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idiosyncrasy
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Article of the Day | |
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The Steam DonkeyThe steam donkey is the strangely named auxiliary steam engine used for hoisting or pumping, especially on a ship. The name "steam donkey" comes from its origin in sailing ships, where the "donkey" engine was typically used to load and unload cargo and raise the larger sails. Patented in 1882, the steam donkey became a key tool for the logging industry as well, but its popularity waned with the advent of diesel-powered equipment. At what amusement park can you find a steam donkey on display? More... |
This Day in History | |
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President Gerald Ford Pardons "Tokyo Rose" (1977)During World War II, Allied forces in the South Pacific dubbed a group of English-speaking female radio broadcasters airing Japanese propaganda "Tokyo Rose." After the war, the name became most closely associated with Japanese-American radio host Iva Toguri D'Aquino. She was convicted of treason in 1949. Decades later, investigative journalists found that key witnesses had lied during her trial, leading President Ford to pardon her. What stage name did D'Aquino often use in her broadcasts? More... |
Today's Birthday | |
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Paul Cézanne (1839)Though early in his painting career Cézanne was closely associated with the Impressionists, even exhibiting with them, he soon began exploring ways to "recreate nature" by simplifying forms to their basic geometric equivalents, utilizing contrasts of color and distortion to express the essence of his subject. His radical new style profoundly affected the development of modern art, Cubism in particular. Who reportedly referred to Cézanne as "the father of us all"? More... |
Quotation of the Day | |
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Nothing ever comes to me, that is worth having, except as the result of hard work. Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) |
Idiom of the Day | |
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a bit dicey— Carrying a certain degree of risk or danger; uncertain of a favorable outcome. More... |
Today's Holiday | |
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Timqat (2023)Because the Ethiopian Christmas, Ganna, falls on January 7, Epiphany (Timqat) is celebrated on January 19. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. It begins at sunset on Epiphany Eve, when people dress in white and go to their local church. From there, they form a procession with the tabot, or holy ark, in which the ancient Israelites put the Tablets of the Law, or Torah. They accompany it to a lake, stream, or pond. It is placed in a tent, where it is guarded all night while the clergy and villagers sing, dance, and eat until the baptismal service the following morning. More... |