Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
birthmark Definition: (noun) A blemish on the skin that is formed before birth. Synonyms: nevus Usage: They named their newborn daughter Daisy because she had a delicate little birthmark on her shoulder that resembled a flower.

Article of the Day

Chess Boxing Chess boxing combines the two titular activities, speed chess and boxing, in a competition that tests participants' mental agility and physical prowess. Matches consist of as many as 11 alternating four-minute chess sessions and two-minute boxing rounds. A competitor can win by knockout, checkmate, judge's decision, or if his opponent's 12 minutes of chess time elapses. The sport, now governed by the World Chess Boxing Organisation, was first envisioned in 1992 by Enki Bilal in what art form? More...

This Day in History

Uruguay Declares Its Independence from Brazil (1825) In 1811, José Gervasio Artigas, who would become Uruguay's national hero, launched a successful revolution against the Spanish authorities who ruled a combined Uruguay and Argentina. Ten years later, the eastern province of Uruguay was annexed by Brazil, which was still under Portuguese rule. Brazil became independent from Portugal the following year, and in 1825, Uruguay declared independence from Brazil. Why is the country now called the Oriental Republic of Uruguay? More...

Today's Birthday

Ivan the Terrible (1530) Ivan IV was the first ruler of Russia to formally assume the title "czar." His early reign saw modernization, expansion, and reform. However, after a near-fatal illness, a failed war against Sweden and Poland, and the death of a wife, Ivan's mental state deteriorated. He withdrew to his personal territory, and his later reign was marked by extreme violence, repression, and tyranny. He rid himself of unwanted wives by forcing them into convents. Why did Ivan murder his son—and only heir—in 1581? More...

Quotation of the Day
When he stepped off the straight and narrow path of his peculiar honesty, it was with an inward assertion of unflinching resolve to fall back again into the monotonous but safe stride of virtue as soon as his little excursion into the wayside quagmires had produced the desired effect. Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)

Idiom of the Day
rags-to-riches — adjective (used before a noun) Characterized by a rise from poverty to great or exceptional wealth. More...

Today's Holiday
Uruguay Independence Day (2025) This national holiday commemorates the declaration of independence of Uruguay from Portuguese rule on this day in 1825. By 1828, Uruguay was officially autonomous. Patriotic ceremonies are held in the capital city of Montevideo, with speeches and the singing of the national anthem. More...