Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, November 17, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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cajole
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Russo-Japanese WarThe Russo-Japanese War was a conflict that grew out of the rival imperial designs of Russia and Japan on Manchuria and Korea. After Russia reneged on an agreement to withdraw from Manchuria, Japan broke off negotiations and attacked, scoring a series of quick victories. With the signing of the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth, Japan gained the position of a world power, becoming the first non-European and non-American modern imperialist state. The disastrous outcome for Russia helped spark what event? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Suez Canal Opens (1869)One of the world's most heavily used shipping lanes, the Suez Canal extends 101 miles (163 km) from Port Said to the Gulf of Suez and connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea, allowing ships to sail directly between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. After its completion in 1869, its ownership remained in French and British hands until Egypt nationalized it in 1956, setting off an international crisis, during which it was closed. What caused the next closure of the canal? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Isamu Noguchi (1904)Noguchi was a prominent American sculptor. After briefly studying medicine, he won two Guggenheim fellowships that allowed him to study in Paris under renowned modern artist Constantin Brancusi. In his work in stone, wood, and metal, Noguchi integrated European modernism with Japanese traditionalism, harmonizing rough and smooth, geometric and organic. Among his diverse artistic creations are playgrounds, sculpture gardens, ballet sets, and furniture. With which inventor did he collaborate? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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have (one's) name taken— In football (soccer), to receive a yellow card (and thus have one's name recorded in the referee's booklet). More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (2022)In 1939, Nazi troops invaded Czechoslovakia and took over the country. On November 17, student protests were held. Nazi troops subsequently executed nine students and sent many to a concentration camp. On November 17, 1989, Czech students gathered to demonstrate against the communist regime. This marked the beginning of the Velvet Revolution. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day is a national holiday in the Czech Republic. People gather and light candles near a "V for Victory" memorial plaque on National Avenue in Prague, and the national flag is flown in all public places. More... | |