Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, January 24, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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commutation
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Star FruitStar fruit, so named because it has five prominent ridges that make it star-shaped on cross section, is the yellow- or green-skinned fruit of the carambola tree. Because it contains high levels of oxalic acid, it is typically sour and its juice can be used to remove stains from clothing. Like grapefruit, star fruit possesses compounds that make it dangerous to consume when taking certain medications, including those used to treat what kind of conditions? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Soviet Satellite Breaks Up upon Reentry, Scattering Nuclear Debris (1978)Cosmos 954 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite that used radar to observe ocean traffic. It was launched in September 1977 and quickly began to experience problems. Within months, it had deviated from its designed orbit. A malfunction prevented the safe separation of its onboard nuclear reactor, so when the satellite reentered the Earth's atmosphere, it scattered radioactive debris over northern Canada, necessitating an extensive clean-up operation. How much did Canada bill the USSR for this? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Frederick II of Prussia (1712)Frederick the Great was the Hohenzollern King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. One of the "enlightened despots" of 18th-century Europe, he instituted numerous economic, civil, and social reforms, was tolerant in religious matters, and promoted education and the arts. He was also an excellent military commander and tactician under whose leadership Prussia became a recognized power in Europe. Why did Frederick's father have him arrested at 18 and force him to watch the beheading of his friend? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 The skeleton of the whale furnishes but little clue to the shape of his fully invested body.Herman Melville (1819-1891) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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a cut above the rest— Better in quality than most others. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Bermuda Festival (2023)The winter season on the island of Bermuda brings on a schedule of performing arts events known as the Bermuda Festival, which began in 1976. Yehudi Menuhin was instrumental in organizing the first festival and performed on its 20th anniversary in 1996. Offerings include theater, dance, opera, classical, and modern music performances from around the world. More... | |