Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, December 4, 2018)Word of the Day | |||||||
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Article of the Day | |
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Frost FlowersFrost flowers form when thin layers of ice are extruded from long-stemmed plants in autumn or early winter and freeze. They appear along cracks in plant stems created when sap is frozen and expands. Water is continually drawn through the cracks due to capillary action and freezes upon contact with air, curling into lovely petal-like shapes. A rare sight, frost flowers are most often observed in shaded areas in the early morning and usually melt when exposed to sunlight. What is a "frost beard"? More... |
This Day in History | |
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China Adopts its Current Constitution (1982)Adopted under the watchful eye of Deng Xiaoping, China's de facto leader from 1977 until his death in 1997, the 1982 Constitution of the People's Republic of China reflects his determination to lay a lasting foundation for domestic stability and modernization within the confines of socialism. It provides a legal framework for the liberalizing economic policies of the 1980s and encourages foreign participation in China's economy. How many times has it been amended since its adoption? More... |
Today's Birthday | |
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Dennis Wilson (1944)In 1961, brothers Dennis, Brian, and Carl Wilson formed The Beach Boys, one of the most influential bands in rock and pop music history. Dennis, the group's drummer, vocalist, sometime songwriter, and sex symbol, also had a successful solo career. His longtime battle with drug and alcohol abuse had a profound impact on his life, and, at age 39, Dennis died in an alcohol-related drowning. What was the nature of his relationship with cult leader and murderer Charles Manson? More... |
Quotation of the Day | |
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Life should begin with age and its privileges and accumulations, and end with youth and its capacity to splendidly enjoy such advantages. Mark Twain (1835-1910) |
Idiom of the Day | |
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pop into (someone's) head— To occur or form suddenly in someone's mind, as a thought, idea, or revelation. More... |
Today's Holiday | |
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Siaosi Tupou I Day (2022)King George Tupou I, also known by his Tongan name of King Siaosi Tupou I, was the first king of the Pacific island nation of Tonga. He took on the title on December 4, 1845, and the date is a Tongan national holiday. Tupuo's rule was marked by a number of landmark events. He abolished serfdom and introduced the nation's first written laws. He also opened the country's first parliament and introduced its first constitution. Tonga honors King Tupou I for establishing much about their country, both good and bad, that still distinguishes it today. More... |