Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, December 19, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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afflict
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| Article of the Day | |
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 ElamElam was an ancient country situated in what is today western Iran. The Elamite population was neither Sumerian nor Semitic, and their language—unrelated to any other—survives in a copious cuneiform literature. Elam seems to have maintained its independence through numerous invasions and counter-invasions, and a distinct Elamite culture flourished from the 13th century BCE. Though Elam was eventually absorbed in the rise of Persia, its culture persisted. What religion did the Elamites practice? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 President Taft Pardons William H. Van Schaick (1912)More than 1,000 people died when the General Slocum, a passenger steamship, caught fire in New York's East River in 1904. It was the city's worst loss-of-life disaster until the attacks of September 11, 2001. Van Schaick, the ship's captain, was convicted of negligence and failure to maintain fire safety equipment and received a 10-year sentence. He was paroled after serving 3½ years in prison and later pardoned by President Taft. Why were most of the passengers unable to escape the fire? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Reggie White (1961)Affectionately nicknamed the "Minister of Defense," a reference to his two very different careers, White was an ordained Baptist minister and a professional football player. The defensive lineman played in the National Football League for 15 seasons between 1985 and 2000, in that time leading the Green Bay Packers to two Super Bowls, including one victory, and claiming the league record for sacks. How was White affected by a rash of church arsons in the mid-90s? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Patriotism is like charity—it begins at home.Henry James (1843-1916) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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fire hose— A strong, heavy stream of something. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Saturnalia (2022)This Ancient Roman Winter Solstice festival began on December 17 and lasted for seven days. It was held in honor of Saturn, the father of the gods, and was characterized by the suspension of discipline and reversal of the usual order. Grudges and quarrels were forgotten; businesses, courts, and schools closed down; and masquerading or change of dress between the sexes often occurred. The festivities were characterized by various kinds of excesses—giving rise to the modern use of the term "saturnalian," meaning "a period of unrestrained license and revelry." More... | |