Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, December 01, 2015)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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capstone
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| Article of the Day | |
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 IconoclasmVeneration of pictures and statues symbolizing sacred figures and biblical events was an early feature of Christian worship. Iconoclasts were opposed to the use of such religious images and destroyed them, claiming that they violated the second commandment not to make or worship “graven images.” An iconoclastic movement developed during the Byzantine Empire, and it was characterized by fierce persecution of those who made and venerated icons. What are a few modern examples of iconoclasm? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Portuguese Restoration War Begins (1640)Following the death of Henry, the cardinal-king of Portugal, in 1580, Philip II of Spain assumed control of Portugal by force of arms. The "Spanish captivity" lasted for 60 years. Finally, in 1640, the Portuguese took advantage of Philip IV's preoccupation with a rebellion in Catalonia and revolted. The Portuguese dethroned him and reclaimed independence for Portugal. Undeterred, Philip fought for decades to regain control of Portugal. When did Spain finally recognize Portugal's independence? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls (1933)Rawls was an American soul, jazz, and blues singer known for his smooth vocal style. He began singing in his church choir at the age of seven and later sang with local Chicago groups. Though he was pronounced dead after a severe car accident in 1958 that left him in a coma for several days, he recovered and went on to enjoy a successful career, winning multiple Grammy Awards and selling more than 40 million records. Who once credited Rawls with having the "silkiest chops in the singing game"? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Teach us Delight in simple things,And Mirth that has no bitter springs; Forgiveness free of evil done, And Love to all men 'neath the sun! Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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good God!— An oath expressing surprise, shock, frustration, anger, or annoyance. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Portugal Restoration of Independence Day (2016)This public holiday commemorates the restoration of Portugal's independence from Spain on December 1, 1640. Philip II (1527-1598) of Spain assumed control of Portugal in 1580 upon the death of Henry, prince of Portugal, and the "Spanish captivity" lasted for 60 years. Revolution began in Lisbon, and, in 1640, the Portuguese dethroned Philip IV (1605-1665; grandson of Philip II) and reclaimed independence for Portugal. More... | |
| In the News | |
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Dinosaur Nesting May Have Led to the Rise of the Modern BirdResearchers have recently discovered that dinosaurs had an innovative nesting style that may have led to the evolutionary success of modern birds. The study, published in the journal Plos One, details for the first time the link between dinosaur ... More... | |