Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
wizened Definition: (adjective) Lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness. Synonyms: shrunken, withered, shriveled Usage: The wizened face of the man of law was twisted into a wrinkled smile.

Article of the Day

El Cid Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar—popularly known as "El Cid"—was an 11th-century Castilian military leader and national hero. His unauthorized raid on the kingdom of Toledo in 1081 prompted his exile by Spanish king Alfonso VI. El Cid then entered the service of the Muslim rulers of Zaragoza, becoming known as a general who was never defeated in battle. Revered as a hero, his exploits were celebrated in a 12th-century epic poem. According to legend, what did El Cid's wife do with his dead body? More...

This Day in History

Harry S. Truman Announces His Point Four Program (1949) As the fourth point of his presidential inauguration address in 1949, Truman announced what became known as his Point Four Program—the US policy of technical assistance and economic aid to less-developed countries. Such assistance, mainly in agriculture, public health, and education, was provided through contracts with US business and educational organizations. During the Cold War, the US government used Point Four to win support from uncommitted nations. Does the program still exist? More...

Today's Birthday

Federico Fellini (1920) After collaborating on screenplays with Roberto Rossellini in the 1940s, Italian Federico Fellini turned from writing to directing films. His movies earned international acclaim, and a number of them won Academy Awards, including La Strada, 8 ½, and Amarcord. Filmed in color starting in 1965, his movies became a celebration of life, with its beauties and grotesqueries, as well as an exploration of Fellini's dream life. His wife starred in several of his films. Who was she? More...

Quotation of the Day
I've never any pity for conceited people, because I think they carry their comfort about with them. George Eliot (1819-1880)

Idiom of the Day
lose the number of (one's) mess — obsolete military and naval To die or be killed. More...

Today's Holiday

Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde National Heroes' Day (2024) Citizens of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde have great reverence for Amílcar Cabral (1921–1973), a nationalist leader who was assassinated before he could see his native Guinea-Bissau and nearby Cape Verde achieve independence from Portugal. The two countries settled on January 20 as their National Heroes' Day because it falls on the anniversary of Cabral's murder. A public holiday, National Heroes' Day commemorates the legacies of Cabral and other freedom fighters. Leftist associations have observed the day by holding symposiums on the writings and political theories of Cabral. More...