Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
clepsydra Definition: (noun) Clock that measures time by the escape of water. Synonyms: water clock, water glass Usage: The Wicked Witch dared not use a clepsydra, as its contents could destroy her.

Article of the Day

The Divine Right of Kings The divine right of kings is the belief that kings derive their right to rule by the will of God—regardless of the approval of any earthly authority. According to this doctrine, the king's authority is inherited from his ancestors, whom God appointed to rule. Because such a king answers only to God, resistance to him is seen as sinful. James I of England strongly promoted the concept in the early 1600s, and the coronation ceremony for British monarchs still contains what hints of the doctrine? More...

This Day in History

Charlie Chaplin Is Knighted (1975) Though he spent most of his career in the US, British-born silent-film legend Charlie Chaplin never applied for citizenship. The US took advantage of this fact in 1952, while Chaplin was overseas, revoking his re-entry permit over his alleged Communist ties. His political leanings, as well as his many affairs with young women, nearly cost him a knighthood, but after decades of debate, he was finally knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. What was stolen from Chaplin's grave shortly after his death? More...

Today's Birthday

Miriam Makeba (1932) Nicknamed "Mama Africa," Makeba was a Grammy Award-winning singer and activist. In 1963, after she testified against apartheid before the UN, South Africa revoked her citizenship and right to return to the country. She settled in the US, where her musical career flourished, then moved to Guinea after being criticized for marrying a Black Panther. She remained in exile for 30 years, finally returning to her homeland in 1990 at the end of apartheid. Why did she spend six months in jail as a baby? More...

Quotation of the Day
If I had followed my better judgment always, my life would have been a very dull one. Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950)

Idiom of the Day
catch (the) headlines — To be featured on the headlines of news articles, as due to being particularly important, popular, fashionable, etc. More...

Today's Holiday

Omizutori Matsuri (2025) Omizutori Matsuri is marked by religious rites that have been observed for 12 centuries at the Buddhist Todaiji Temple in the city of Nara, Japan. During this period of meditative rituals in the first two weeks of March, the drone of recited sutras and the sound of blowing conchs echo from the temple. On March 12, young monks on the temple gallery brandish burning pine-branches, shaking off burning pieces. Spectators below try to catch the sparks, believing they have magic power against evil. On March 13, the ceremony of drawing water is observed to the accompaniment of ancient music. More...