Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
vainglory Definition: (noun) Boastful, unwarranted pride in one's accomplishments or qualities. Synonyms: boastfulness Usage: I share my substance with the poor, making no display of good works, lest I let hypocrisy and vainglory, those enemies that subtly take possession of the most watchful heart, find an entrance into mine.

Article of the Day

Cobalt Cobalt is a silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle metal that is chemically active and rarely occurs uncombined in nature. It is, however, often found in meteoric metal. Cobalt compounds have been used for centuries to impart a rich blue color to glass, glazes, and ceramics. The element has been detected in Egyptian sculpture and Persian jewelry from the third millennium BCE. The word cobalt is derived from the German word for "goblin." Why was the element thus named? More...

This Day in History

Muhammad Ali Becomes Wali of Egypt (1805) Four years after Ali, an Ottoman army commander, helped drive Napoleon from Ottoman-ruled Egypt, he was named wali—governor—of Egypt. He helped modernize Egypt and attempted to secure its independence. Though unsuccessful, his efforts established his progeny as the rulers of Egypt and Sudan for nearly 150 years and rendered Egypt a de facto independent state. He is thus considered one of the fathers of modern Egypt. How did Ali trick Egypt's Mamluk leaders into walking into a massacre? More...

Today's Birthday

Dennis Lee Hopper (1936) Hopper was an American film actor. He appeared in two films with James Dean in the 1950s but achieved fame of his own after directing and starring in 1969's Easy Rider. His career foundered in the 70s, but important roles in Apocalypse Now (1979) and Blue Velvet (1986) helped him revitalize his career in the 80s and 90s. In addition to acting, he was a noted artist. In 1983, he checked into rehab shortly after performing what daredevil stunt involving dynamite? More...

Quotation of the Day
If one sticks too rigidly to one's principles, one would hardly see anybody. Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

Idiom of the Day
caught on the hop — Caught unawares or in a state of unpreparedness. More...

Today's Holiday

International Mayfest (2023) International Mayfest is a five-day celebration of the arts—performing, visual, and literary—held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. One of the largest festivals in the state, the event features a juried art fair and theatrical presentations. In the past, these varied works have been staged: Three Penny Opera, Our Town, and Revenge of the Space Pandas. There is also a variety of musical entertainment and ethnic foods from all corners of the globe. More...