Daily Content Archive

Word of the Day
declivity Definition: (noun) A downward slope or bend. Synonyms: fall, downslope, declension, declination, decline, descent Usage: As best I could, I stumbled after him down a steep declivity beginning at the forest's edge.

Article of the Day

Heirloom Plants An heirloom plant is an open-pollinated cultivar that was commonly grown during earlier periods in human history, but which is not used in modern large-scale agriculture. Most food crops are now grown in huge, monocultural plots owned by corporations, and few varieties of each type of crop are grown. The increasing popularity of heirloom gardening can be seen as a reaction to this trend. Why is 1951 a key year for heirloom gardeners? More...

This Day in History

Syria Ends Occupation of Lebanon (2005) In 1976, with his country embroiled in a deadly civil war, the Lebanese president turned to Syria for assistance. At his request, Syrian forces entered Lebanon. Despite their 29-year presence, the Syrians were unable to secure lasting stability. By 2005, Syrian influence in Lebanese government had provoked protests, which intensified after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Syrian troops finally withdrew in April. When did the two countries re-establish diplomatic relations? More...

Today's Birthday

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix (1798) Considered the foremost painter of the Romantic movement in France, Delacroix is known for his dramatic interpretations of scenes from mythology, literature, and political, religious, and literary history and for his sensuous use of color. His most influential work is 1830's revolution-themed Liberty Leading the People, which likely inspired the design of the Statue of Liberty. During a trip to Morocco, he painted many scenes of North African life. Why did he struggle to find subjects? More...

Quotation of the Day
One may be continually abusive without saying any thing just; but one cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty. Jane Austen (1775-1817)

Idiom of the Day
(there's) no comparison — This person or thing is clearly and inarguably better than any other. More...

Today's Holiday

John Audubon Day (2024) John James Audubon (1785-1851) was America's foremost ornithological illustrator. After his death in 1851, Audubon's wife Lucy returned to teaching to support herself. One of her students, George Bird Grinnell, in 1886 organized the Audubon Society for the study and protection of birds. Today there are many branches of this organization, known as the National Audubon Society, and its members honor Audubon on his birthday, April 26. In some states, Audubon Day and Arbor Day are celebrated together by planting trees in bird sanctuaries. More...