Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
tatterdemalion Definition: (noun) A person wearing ragged or tattered clothing. Synonyms: ragamuffin Usage: It was a crew of tatterdemalions that limped and straggled and wandered back into Barnesdale that day.

Article of the Day

Gregorian Chant Gregorian chant is also known as plainchant or plainsong and is a form of monophonic, unaccompanied singing. It was developed in the Catholic church, mainly during the period 800-1000, and is based on Eastern models of Byzantine chant. Gregorian chant takes its name from Pope St. Gregory the Great, who is believed to have brought it to the West. In what ways is Gregorian chant different from modern music? More...

This Day in History

Ian Ball Attempts to Kidnap Princess Anne (1974) Intending to kidnap Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter and collect a £2 million ransom, Ball attacked Princess Anne's chauffeur-driven limousine as it returned to Buckingham Palace. He shot the chauffeur, two policemen, and a passerby who tried to intervene, but Anne got away with the help of another passerby. Ball was then captured. His victims recovered, and all six who tried to help Anne were awarded medals. What was Anne's famously feisty retort when Ball ordered her out of the car? More...

Today's Birthday

Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee (1957) Lee is an American filmmaker whose movies often celebrate the richness of African-American culture and address problems such as racism, sexism, and addiction. He first gained recognition with his New York University graduation film in 1982. He went on to make Do the Right Thing, which focuses on the complexities of interracial relations, and Malcolm X, a biopic about the African-American leader. To prevent the use of his nickname, Lee sought legal action against whom in 2003? More...

Quotation of the Day
The duration of passion is proportionate with the original resistance of the woman. Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)

Idiom of the Day
measure the drapes — To begin planning or preparing to replace someone in a job or position before one has actually secured the role, especially during a political election. More...

Today's Holiday
Tunisia Independence Day (2025) Independence Day is a public holiday in Tunisia commemorating a treaty signed on this day in 1956 that formally recognized Tunisia's independence from France. It had been a French colony since the 1880s. More...