Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, August 5, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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passementerie
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The Catacombs of ParisThe Catacombs of Paris are a network of subterranean tunnels and rooms located in Roman-era limestone quarries that were converted into a mass tomb at the end of the 18th century to curb the spread of disease due to improper burials and mass graves. Today, only a small portion of the catacombs, which span more than 186 miles, is open to the public, but many enter them illegally via secret entrances found throughout Paris. Why were the catacombs closed to the public in 2009? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Republic of Upper Volta, Now Burkina Faso, Gains Independence (1960)In the European scramble for African territory in the late 19th century, France took control of the region that is now Burkina Faso. During World War I, however, the area was torn apart by violent opposition to colonial rule. To prevent continued uprisings, it was named a separate territory, Upper Volta, in 1919. When anti-colonial agitation resumed after World War II, the area became a republic, achieving full independence two years later in 1960. After what was "Upper Volta" named? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Edward John Eyre (1815)Several years after immigrating to Australia from England, Eyre decided to explore his new home. His expeditions took him, often with one or more Aboriginal companions, through some of Australia's harshest terrain. He subsequently became a British colonial official, serving for a time as a protector of Aborigines. His sympathies, however, appear not to have extended to other marginalized groups. As governor of Jamaica, Eyre authorized hundreds of executions while suppressing what uprising? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older—the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.Jane Austen (1775-1817) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Billy the Kid Pageant (2018)It was in Lincoln, New Mexico, that the legendary American outlaw Billy the Kid was brought to be hanged in 1881. He made his escape from the courthouse, which today has been restored as a state museum. The reenactment that takes place every year involves almost everyone in town and is designed to be as historically accurate as possible. Festival activities surround Billy the Kid's "last escape" throughout the weekend to give the town a late 19th-century feeling, such as weaving and horseshoeing demonstrations, encampments, and an appearance by the Fourth Texas Cavalry. More... | |