Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, March 26, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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keepsake
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Forming ContractionsWhen two words are combined to form a contraction, we use an apostrophe as a substitute for the letter or letters that are removed as a result. Most commonly, it is the second word in the group that is shortened. What is this shortened word known as? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Hand GrenadesThe first modern, hand-thrown grenades were in use as early as the 15th century, but they fell out of favor as the increasing range and accuracy of firearms lessened opportunities for close combat. However, their effectiveness in World War I trench warfare made hand grenades a standard part of the combat infantryman's equipment once again. Though one of the more recognizable grenade models is sometimes called a "pin-and-pineapple," grenades get their name from what other fruit? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Heaven's Gate Cult Members Found Dead (1997)Established in 1972, Heaven's Gate was a cult that advocated self-renunciation, to the point of castration, as preparation for the "transition" to a new life on a spaceship, which adherents believed was trailing behind the comet Hale-Bopp. As the comet made its closest approach to Earth, 39 members of the group committed suicide. Authorities found the dead lying neatly in their bunk beds, dressed identically and wearing armbands that read "Heaven's Gate Away Team." Who was their leader? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Robert Frost (1874)Perhaps the most popular and beloved of 20th-century American poets, Frost wrote of the character, people, and landscape of New England. Rooted in the New England landscape, yet deeply symbolic, his work is concerned with human tragedies and fears, the complexities of life, and the ultimate acceptance of one's burdens. Frost was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for poetry four times—in 1924, 1931, 1937, and 1943. He recited a poem at the inauguration of which US president? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 A woman moved is like a fountain troubled, muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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in all honesty— In one's sincere opinion; without any disingenuousness. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Bangladesh Independence Day (2024)This public holiday celebrates the declaration of independence of the state of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. When India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the region that is now Bangladesh became East Pakistan, and was governed together with West Pakistan as one country. By early 1971, differences between East and West Pakistan had led to war. When India entered the war in November, independence was assured. Bangladeshis observe this national holiday in the capital city of Dhaka with memorial ceremonies, a boat race on the Buriganga river, and other festivities. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: lighterdinner, supper - Dinner is the main meal of the day; supper is the last meal of the day and lighter than dinner. More... short crust - Lighter and crispier than regular pastry crust. More... spring roll - Smaller than egg rolls, they traditionally have a lighter, more delicate pastry wrap. More... etiolate - Become whiter or lighter, especially by not getting enough light. More... | |