Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, June 29, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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ungainly
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| Article of the Day | |
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 The History of SaffronSpanning cultures, continents, and civilizations, the history of saffron in human cultivation and use reaches back more than 3,000 years. Saffron, a spice derived from the stigmas of saffron crocus plants, has been used as a seasoning, fragrance, dye, and medicine and has remained among the world's costliest substances throughout history. After saffron spread to America in the 18th c, demand grew so much that its price on the Philadelphia commodities exchange matched that of what precious metal? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Sampoong Department Store Collapse (1995)During the construction of what was to be an office building in Seoul, South Korea, owner Lee Joon decided to change course and make it a department store. Contractors who would not comply with his design modifications, which included removing some support columns in favor of escalators, were replaced. By April 1995, cracks were visible in the five-story structure. Two months later, in a span of only 20 seconds, the building collapsed with more than 1,500 people inside. How many of them died? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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_-_ritr._A_Ferrazzi%2c_Recanati%2c_casa_Leopardi.jpg) Giacomo Leopardi (1798)Leopardi was an Italian poet and scholar who suffered throughout his life from chronic physical ailments and dashed hopes. Despite these challenges, he was devoted to philosophy and the classics from early childhood and became one of the most formidable linguists and writers of his time. His pessimistic poetry is admired for its brilliance, intensity, and musicality. He is considered among the great Italian poets of the 19th century. What are some of his most famous works? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 I know that everything beautiful attracts love, but I cannot see how, by reason of being loved, that which is loved for its beauty is bound to love that which loves it.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Sts. Peter and Paul Day (2020)It is said that St. Peter and St. Paul were both martyred on June 29, and for this reason their names have been linked in various observances around the world. In Peru, the Día de San Pedro y San Pablo is celebrated in fishing villages because St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen. Processions of decorated boats carrying an image of the saint are common, and sometimes a special floating altar is set up, with decorations made out of shells and seaweed. More... | |