Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
muffle Definition: (verb) Deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping. Synonyms: mute, tone down, dampen, dull Usage: I was up past my bedtime, so I tried to muffle my sneeze by holding my pillow over my face.

Article of the Day

Sarah Winnemucca: Woman of Two Worlds Winnemucca was the first Native American woman to publish a book in English. Her autobiographical Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims (1883) describes her people's early encounters with white settlers. This includes her experiences as an interpreter for the US Army, a role she took on in hopes of securing fair treatment of her people and keeping the peace. She tried, but failed, to get a permanent reservation for the Paiute. What was her original name, and what does it mean? More...

This Day in History

Qatar Becomes an Independent State (1971) Qatar, located on a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf, became a British protectorate in 1916. It remained under British control for more than 50 years, a period during which oil was discovered there and Qatar rapidly modernized. In 1968, Britain declared that it would disengage from the region, and Qatar joined a federation of nearby states. However, disputes arose, and, in 1971, Qatar became an independent state. Prior to the discovery of oil there, Qatar was noted for what unusual industry? More...

Today's Birthday

Diane de Poitiers (1499) As a lady-in-waiting at the French royal court, Diane captivated the man who would become King Henry II of France—though he was 20 years her junior. After the death of her husband, she became Henry's mistress. Following his coronation in 1547, Diane held court as queen in all but name, while the real queen lived in relative obscurity. However, after Henry's 1559 death, she was forced to retire from court. Her death may have been the result of drinking too much gold in an elixir meant to do what? More...

Quotation of the Day
Gossip is charming! History is merely gossip. But scandal is gossip made tedious by morality. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Idiom of the Day
roll (one's) eyes — To turn one's eyes upward or around in a circle, usually as an expression of exasperation, annoyance, impatience, or disdain. More...

Today's Holiday

Taiwan Armed Forces Day (2025) Founded in 1955, Armed Forces Day in Taiwan honors the country's military and celebrates their victory over the Japanese in World War II (called the War of Resistance in Taiwan). The day is marked by military parades featuring special units chosen for their precision and outstanding performance. A troop-cheering by the onlookers is part of the celebration, as are educational activities covering the history of the war period and the role of the Taiwanese military in defeating the enemy. The day is also marked by the members of the armed forces having a rare day off from work. More...