Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, April 2, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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appurtenance
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Deadly NightshadeAlthough deadly nightshade, a perennial herbaceous plant that has bell-shaped flowers and shiny black berries, is related to potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, it is one of the most toxic plants found in the Western Hemisphere. It contains alkaloids that can cause tachycardia, hallucinations, blurred vision, and, in extreme cases, death. Also known as belladonna, meaning "beautiful lady" in Italian, the plant was once used cosmetically by women to enhance the appearance of what feature? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Sverdlovsk Anthrax Leak (1979)Known as the "biological Chernobyl," the accidental release of anthrax at a Russian military facility in Sverdlovsk—now Yekaterinburg—roughly 900 mi (1,450 km) east of Moscow, sickened and killed around 100 people. The exact number of victims remains unknown because, as part of the Soviet government's cover-up of the incident, which it blamed on tainted meat, all of the victims' medical records were destroyed. What fortuitous weather condition likely prevented a much greater loss of life? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Giacomo Casanova (1725)Although his name is now synonymous with philandering playboys, Casanova was initially a man of the church. Expelled from an Italian seminary for scandalous conduct, he was later denounced as a magician and imprisoned. He escaped and traveled widely before becoming a spy for Venetian inquisitors. His huge autobiography, first published in 12 volumes, paints a vivid picture of 18th-century Europe and established his reputation as a seducer. He spent his last years in what rather tame occupation? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Wit is educated insolence.Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Georgiritt (2018)St. George is honored each year at Traunstein in Bavaria, Germany, on Easter Monday to commemorate the legend of George's victory over the dragon that was threatening the pagan city of Sylene. Because St. George is usually depicted on horseback, the farmers of Traunstein decorate their own horses with garlands and ribbons and ride them across the fields and three times around the parish church. After the local priest blesses the horses and other animals, the procession turns toward the village. The festival ends with ritualistic sword dances that have been handed down from medieval times. More... | |