Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
diluent Definition: (noun) An inert substance used to dilute. Synonyms: dilutant Usage: The artist thinned the paint to a pale yellow using a diluent and a bit of white.

Article of the Day

Special Effects Often relied upon heavily in the science fiction and action genres, special effects are techniques used in film and television to portray scenes that cannot be achieved by normal means, such as space travel. Common examples are the use of rear-screen projections, in which previously photographed material is projected behind the actors; the filming of miniature objects in such a way as to make them look larger; and the use of animation. What are "live" special effects? More...

This Day in History

Treaty of Waitangi Establishes New Zealand as a British Colony (1840) Though considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation, the Treaty of Waitangi has been the subject of much debate since it was signed by representatives of the British crown and Maori chiefs in 1840. It gave Britain control of New Zealand while recognizing the native inhabitants' land rights. However, the English and Maori texts differed, leading to many controversies over its stipulations. In 1913, one of the treaty documents was restored after having been partially eaten by what? More...

Today's Birthday

Aaron Burr (1756) Before he shot and mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton in the famous duel, Burr was a well-regarded lawyer and politician, having served in the American Revolution and held various offices, including that of senator. But after Hamilton used his influence to thwart more than one of his political aspirations, Burr—then vice president—challenged him to a duel and won. Later, he was tried for and acquitted of treason for a plan to seize what areas of North America, possibly to create a new country? More...

Quotation of the Day
Who can look down upon the grave even of an enemy, and not feel a compunctious throb, that he should ever have warred with the poor handful of earth that lies moldering before him? Washington Irving (1783-1859)

Idiom of the Day
(as) mad as hops — Enraged; extremely or inconsolably angry. More...

Today's Holiday

Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) (2023) This exuberant celebration of snow and ice has been held since 1950 in Sapporo, the capital city Hokkaido. The week's activities feature a colorful parade and competitive events in winter sports, as well as a display of colossal snow sculptures along the main street and in Odori Park. The sculptures are spectacular—intricately carved and often several stories high. About three weeks before the festival, a wooden frame is built and packed with snow; after the snow has hardened the frame is removed and the carving begins. A different theme is chosen each year for the sculptures. More...