To Day Special

AKhil

Word of the Day

whimper discuss
Definition:	(verb) Cry weakly or softly.
Synonyms:	mewl, pule, wail
Usage:	She lay at the bottom of the stairs, whimpering in pain.

Word of the Day provided by The Free Dictionary

Article of the Day

Internet Addiction Disorder

Internet addiction disorder is a maladaptive pattern of Internet use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Like drug addiction, Internet addiction is typically characterized by symptoms of tolerance—including the need for markedly increased amounts of time online to achieve satisfaction—and withdrawal, including anxiety, fantasies, or dreams about the Internet, and even involuntary typing movements. Why is the disorder's classification as an addiction controversial? More... Discuss

The Indian Mutiny of 1857

In 1857, Indian troops, or sepoys, in the service of the British East India Company revolted after being issued new rifle cartridges thought to have been lubricated with a combination of cow and pig fat, rendering them religiously impure to both Hindus and Muslims. Though the mutiny began among the sepoys, it grew into a widespread uprising against British rule in India. Delhi was even seized by the rebels before they were ultimately defeated. What happened in the aftermath of the rebellion? More... Discuss

Article of the Day provided by The Free Dictionary

This Day in History

Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi Assassinated (1921)

Cofounder of one of Japan's first political parties, Hara served as prime minister of Japan from 1918 to 1921, becoming the first commoner to be appointed to that office. During that time, he suppressed labor organization while extending suffrage to small landholders by lowering the property qualifications for voting. Hara also attempted to reduce the power of the military, which led to his assassination by a fanatic. Which of his possessions did he describe as his most valuable in his will? More... Discuss

Secret Executive Order Allegedly Establishes Majestic 12 (1947)

Majestic 12 is the purported code name of a secret committee of scientists, military leaders, and government officials supposedly formed in 1947 by an executive order of US President Harry S. Truman. A major part of alien conspiracy theories, the committee was purportedly formed to investigate the aftermath of the Roswell incident—the alleged crash of an unidentified flying object near Roswell, New Mexico. What documents have lent credence to the existence of such a committee? More... Discuss

This Day in History provided by The Free Dictionary

Today's Birthday

Will Rogers (1879)

Rogers was an American humorist and actor. A cowboy in his youth, Rogers traveled the world before returning to the US to perform in vaudeville and Wild West shows as a rider and trick roper. The "cowboy philosopher's" homespun wit and salty commentary on current political and social events soon earned him a following through movies, books, radio, and a syndicated newspaper column. A champion of airplane travel, Rogers made several long plane trips, but died in a crash with what famous aviator? More... Discuss

Johan de Witt (1625)

De Witt was a Dutch statesman who played a vital role in the three successive Dutch Wars. He helped end the first in 1654, but the English Restoration was considered a threat to Dutch interests and the conflict was renewed in 1665. He was largely responsible for securing for the Dutch the favorable terms of the treaty that ended the second of the wars and helped form the Triple Alliance against Louis XIV, who nevertheless invaded Holland in 1672. Why was de Witt lynched shortly thereafter? More... Discuss

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In the News

Many Depressed Teens Who Recover Relapse

Nearly half of all teens treated for depression will relapse within five years, with females at greatest risk. In a recent study, 86 depressed males and 110 depressed females between the ages of 12 and 17 were given short-term treatment with antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, a combination of the two, or a placebo. Nearly 95 percent of the participants recovered from the initial bout of depression, but 46.6 percent of those that did suffered another episode of major depression during the five-year study period. The type of treatment participants received did not affect the risk of relapse. More ... Discuss

Cocoa Plant Genome Sequenced

Scientists have sequenced the entire genome of Theobroma cacao, the tree that bears cocoa beans, and have released that information to the public domain. The plant contains about 420 million DNA units, as compared to about three billion units in the human genome. It is hoped that the genetic information will help farmers breed trees that have higher yields and are more resistant to diseases. Currently, farmers suffer $700 to $800 million in damages each year due to crop loss from pests and disease. More ... Discuss

In the News provided by The Free Dictionary

Quote of the Day