Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, September 17, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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maltreat
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| Article of the Day | |
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 SpinstersBy the 14th century, a woman whose occupation was spinning thread to be woven into cloth was called a "spinster." Over time, the term came to denote unmarried women of any occupation—many of whom engaged in spinning as a respectable way to earn income—and began being used in official legal documents to refer to a woman who had never married. Despite its negative connotations, its use persisted into the 21st century. When was the term finally replaced in the legal documents of the UK? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Battle of Antietam (1862)In September 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee crossed the Potomac River to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was met by Union General George McClellan. The resulting Battle of Antietam, fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with a total of 23,000 casualties. It was a Union victory only in the sense that Lee's invasion was stopped. McClellan was later removed from command and was faulted for failing to act on what crucial opportunity? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 William Carlos Williams (1883)Trained as a pediatrician, Williams wrote poetry and practiced medicine in his New Jersey hometown. Regarded as one of the most original American poets of the 20th century, he closely observed American life and recorded his impressions in a lucid style. His poems, such as "The Red Wheelbarrow" and "This Is Just To Say," are noted for making the ordinary appear extraordinary. He lost a post at the Library of Congress after one of his works drew scorn—as a result of what misunderstanding? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Some cynical Frenchman has said that there are two parties to a love-transaction: the one who loves and the other who condescends to be so treated.William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Visvakarma Puja (2020)Dedicated to Visvakarma, the patron god of all Hindu artisans, the Festival of Tools is a workers' holiday in India dedicated to each individual's most important tool or instrument. A pitcher representing the god is set in a place of honor in every home and shop, and before it the people lay their most important tool. Sometimes incense is burned or scented water is sprinkled over the tool. Workers give thanks for their tools and implore Visvakarma's help in plying their trade. After this ceremony is over, people gather in parks or public places and spend the rest of the day with games and feasting. More... | |