Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
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Article of the Day

Bisha'a Also known as "ordeal by fire," Bisha'a is a ritual practiced by some Bedouin tribes for the purpose of lie detection. In cases where no evidence of an alleged transgression exists, the accused is asked to lick a hot metal object, such as a spoon or ladle. His tongue is subsequently inspected by the official who presides over the ceremony. If his tongue is burnt, he is deemed to have been lying. What physiological response might make liars more susceptible to burns during this ritual? More...

This Day in History

Singapore Is Expelled from Malaysia (1965) After more than a century of British rule, Singapore gained independence in 1959. Four years later, it joined with nearby territories to form Malaysia. However, racial and economic tensions arose, and two years later, the Malaysian parliament unanimously voted to expel Singapore. Despite being left unexpectedly autonomous with few defenses or natural resources, Singapore rapidly developed into an economic powerhouse. Still, it remains dependent on Malaysia for what one critical thing? More...

Today's Birthday

Izaak Walton (1593) A friend and fishing companion of John Donne, Walton wrote one of the most famous and frequently reprinted books in the English language, The Compleat Angler; or, the Contemplative Man's Recreation. The book not only describes the strategies and techniques of fishing, it also draws a picture of peace and simple virtue that was Walton's protest against the civil wars taking place at the time. Though the book was first published in 1653, Walton continued to add to it—for how long? More...

Quotation of the Day
Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)

Idiom of the Day
put (one's/someone's) back up — To be or become angry, hostile, defensive, defiant, or irritable, or to instill such a feeling in someone else. More...

Today's Holiday

Meyboom (2025) One of the oldest folk traditions in Belgium, Meyboom is an amalgamation of Belgian folklore, patron-saint celebration, and traditional neighborhood rivalry. The event is marked with a procession of giant puppets and the planting of a meyboom (may tree) on the corner of Rue des Sables and Rue du Marais in Brussels. Before the planting, a procession of trumpeters and costumed giants accompanies the tree from the Place des Sablons to its final destination. According to custom, if the meyboom is not planted by 5:00 p.m., the city's good fortune will go to the people of Leuven. More...