Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
apoplexy Definition: (noun) Sudden impairment of neurological function, especially that resulting from a cerebral hemorrhage. Synonyms: stroke, cerebrovascular accident Usage: The medical evidence showed conclusively that death was due to apoplexy.

Article of the Day

Rainer Maria Rilke Rilke is generally considered the German language's greatest 20th century lyric poet. His compositions are generally characterized by striking visual imagery, musicality, and a preponderant use of nouns. His writings include one novel, the semi-autobiographical The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge; several collections of poetry, among them Sonnets to Orpheus and Duino Elegies; and several volumes of correspondence. How did a rose thorn supposedly hasten his death? More...

This Day in History

Winston Churchill Delivers His "Finest Hour" Speech (1940) Churchill delivered his celebrated "Finest Hour" speech after it became clear that France's surrender to Germany was imminent and that this would bring the Nazi enemy to England's doorstep. Churchill had been prime minister for just over a month when he delivered the 36-minute speech before the House of Commons. Warning that England would soon face attack, he tried to inspire courage, justify confidence in victory, and define the noble causes that Britain was fighting for, which were what? More...

Today's Birthday

James Montgomery Flagg (1877) A prolific American artist and illustrator, Flagg designed 45 military posters during WWI, including the famous "I Want You" portrait of Uncle Sam. He studied abroad in England and Paris and, upon returning to New York, rapidly won a reputation as a technically skilled, versatile, and vivacious illustrator. Working in pen and ink, watercolor, and oils, he contributed to Judge, Life, St. Nicholas, and other magazines. On whose face did Flagg model his well-known Uncle Sam? More...

Quotation of the Day
Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties. John Milton (1608-1674)

Idiom of the Day
not a peep from/out of (someone) — Not a single word or sound from someone. More...

Today's Holiday

National Marbles Tournament (2024) Held for five days near the end of June in a Wildwood, New Jersey, the National Marbles Tournament features a competition among champions selected in elimination contests throughout the country. The national boy and girl champions each receive a trophy and a plaque as well as a $2,000 scholarship. Although many games can be played with marbles, the game played in the national tournament is called Ringer, in which 13 marbles (called "miggles") form a cross in a 10-foot circle. Players alternate shots, and the winner is the first one to shoot seven miggles out of the ring. More...