Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
lariat Definition: (noun) A long noosed rope used to catch animals. Synonyms: riata, lasso Usage: He spent his days chasing after fleeing cattle, roping them with his lariat and bringing them back to the ranch.

Article of the Day

Tonsillectomy The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue located on either side of throat that are frequently removed in a surgical procedure called a tonsillectomy. Those who often suffer from inflamed tonsils, as is the case with chronic tonsillitis patients, frequently undergo the procedure. The surgery is commonly performed on children; and among adult tonsillectomy patients, there is a slightly increased risk of bleeding and, generally, more postoperative pain. What is “Painless Tonsillectomy”? More...

This Day in History

The "Flying Tailor" Dies after Failed Parachute Jump from Eiffel Tower (1912) Parachutes at the dawn of the aviation age were bulky and, inconveniently, had to be pre-opened. Among those trying to improve upon their design was French tailor Franz Reichelt. He had some success testing his designs on dummies, but he had no evidence that his parachute would work with a real person when he jumped from the Eiffel Tower before a crowd of spectators and reporters. The chute failed to open, and he plummeted to his death. How had he convinced the authorities to allow the jump? More...

Today's Birthday

Charles Lindbergh (1902) In 1927, Lindbergh, an American aviator, made the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic in 33.5 hours, landing in Paris to a hero's welcome. He returned to the US a celebrity but moved to England in 1932 to escape the media frenzy surrounding the kidnapping and murder of his son. Returning to the US in 1940, he faced criticism for opposing US entry into WWII. Still, he flew combat missions for the US during the war. He helped invent what device that made open-heart surgery possible? More...

Quotation of the Day
If you are foolish enough to be contented, don't show it, but grumble with the rest. Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)

Idiom of the Day
lust for power — Intense, insatiable desire to attain power and control. More...

Today's Holiday

Sri Lanka National Day (2024) The former British colony of Ceylon changed its name in 1972 to Sri Lanka, which means "Blessed Isle." Sri Lankans commemorate the granting of their independence from Great Britain on February 4, 1948, with public gatherings throughout the island and special services in the temples, churches, and mosques. There are also parades, folk dances, processions, and national games. More...