September 3, 2015
Word of the Day
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Definition:
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(noun) A censer used in certain ecclesiastical ceremonies or liturgies. |
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censer |
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As the priest swung the thurible, incense poured out the holes in its lid. |
Article of the Day
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Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is the iridescent substance that forms the shell lining of some fresh-water and salt-water mollusks. Just like the pearl, it is a mantle tissue secretion and is composed of alternating layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin. It serves to both smooth the shell and defend it against parasitic organisms and damaging debris. Its iridescent beauty makes it a popular ornamentation in jewelry, watches and guitar inlays. What other decorative uses does it have?
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This Day in History
Malcolm Campbell Becomes First to Drive over 300 MPH (1935)
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Discuss
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Campbell, an English automobile and speedboat racer, set many speed records for motorcycles, airplanes, automobiles, and motorboats. In 1931, he was knighted for his accomplishments. Four years later, driving his famed automobile Bluebird at Bonneville Flats, Utah, Campbell set his final land speed record, becoming the first person to drive an automobile faster than 300 mph (483 km/h). He later turned to speedboat racing and set a new record in 1939, when his boat reached what speed?
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Today's Birthday
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The leading spokesman of the Center Party, Kekkonen became Finland's prime minister in 1950 and succeeded Juho Paasikivi as president in 1956. After his reelection in 1962 and 1968, the Finnish parliament voted to extend his term, which was to expire in 1974, until 1978, at which time he was elected to his final term as president. Throughout his career, Kekkonen succeeded in maintaining friendly neutrality with the USSR. What caused him to resign the presidency in 1981?
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Today's Holiday
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As a British general, Puritan statesman, and Lord Protector of England from 1653-58, Oliver Cromwell is remembered today more for his actions as a general and a statesman than for his efforts within Puritanism. Each year the Cromwell Association holds a special service near Cromwell's statue outside the Houses of Parliament on September 3. It was on this day in 1650 that Cromwell won the battle of Dunbar, and it was on the same day a year later that he won a decisive victory at the battle of Worcester against the Scots. It was also the day on which he died.
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Quote of the Day
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"I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning," said Alice a little timidly: "but it's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."
Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)
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In the News
How Science Is Making Ice Cream Even Better - and Better for You
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Discuss
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Want a lower-fat, melt-resistant ice cream that can even lower your electricity bills? Researchers in Scotland may have found the answer. A protein, known as Biofilm surface level A or BslA, found in Bacillus subtilis, is common in soil and may hold the ...
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