Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, May 29, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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insuperable
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| Article of the Day | |
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 Eugène François VidocqVidocq was a career criminal who became a spy for the Paris police while in prison in 1809. After 21 months of spying, he was released and organized a plainclothes unit. In 1817 alone, he played a role in 811 arrests. In 1832, accusations that he was instigating crimes for the purpose of uncovering them forced his resignation. He recounted his exploits in his memoirs, inspiring several fictional accounts. Considered the father of modern criminology, Vidocq pioneered what investigative methods? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring Sparks a Riot (1913)The Rite of Spring is a landmark ballet by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky that provoked a riot when it premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris. Expecting the demure conventions of classical ballet, the audience was caught off-guard by Stravinsky's dissonant score and Vaslav Nijinsky's violently untraditional choreography depicting fertility rites. Fistfights broke out between detractors and supporters, and chaos ensued. What Disney film popularized the ballet? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Bob Hope (1903)Famous for his "ski-jump" nose, superb timing, and irreverent attitude, Hope was an immensely popular American comedian. He debuted in vaudeville in the 1920s and later performed on radio, television, stage, and in more than 50 films. He hosted the Oscars a record-breaking 17 times over 38 years. A master of comic monologues and mildly bawdy one-liners, he was a tireless entertainer of US troops overseas. When asked on his deathbed at age 100 where he wanted to be buried, how did he respond? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 A soul that is kind and intends justice discovers more than any sophist.Sophocles (496 BC-406 BC) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Glyndebourne Festival Opera (2020)Now considered one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the world, the Glyndebourne Festival was founded in 1934 by music lover John Christie and his wife, Audrey Mildmay. During the current 11-week season, several full-length operas are presented, at least one of which is by Mozart. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been the main ensemble since 1964. The performances start in the late afternoon, and opera-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner so they can eat outdoors and enjoy the grounds during the 85-minute intermission. More... | |