Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, December 26, 2023)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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foramen
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Modal Auxiliary Verbs - CouldThe modal verb "could" is most often used as a past-tense version of "can," indicating what someone or something was able to do in the past. "Could" can be used in what types of conditional sentences? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 ChivesChives grow wild throughout most of the northern hemisphere, forming perennial clumps about 5 in (12 cm) high. Chives consist of an underground bulb, long hollow tubular leaves, and globe-shaped purple flower heads. They are the mildest and smallest member of the onion family and lack the bitterness of raw onions. Their leaves are often used as a garnish for salads or to flavor foods such as fish, potatoes, and soup. What effect does eating chives have on the circulatory system? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 First Kwanzaa Celebrated (1966)Observed from December 26 to January 1 and patterned after African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa is a secular festival celebrating the African heritage of African Americans. Developed by black-studies professor Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa emphasizes the role of the family and community in African-American culture. Each day is dedicated to a particular principle—such as unity, creativity, or faith. The holiday's name is taken from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanzaa, which means what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Charles Babbage (1791)Babbage was an English mathematician and inventor who devoted most of his life and private fortune to trying to perfect a mechanical calculating machine. In 1837, he described the so-called Analytical Engine, a machine capable of performing arithmetical operations with the use of instructions from punched cards. Although the device was never built, his idea is considered the forerunner of modern computers. Babbage also invented other devices, including the cowcatcher, which is used to do what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Considering the unforeseen events of this world, we should be taught that no human condition should inspire men with absolute despair.Henry Fielding (1707-1754) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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hold the reins— To have or be in control, especially of a group, project, or situation. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Fiesta de Sumamao (2023)The Argentine ritual drama known as sumamao ("beautiful river") is named after the location in which it is traditionally performed—near the Rio Dulce. On San Esteban's (St. Stephen's) Day, December 26, an avenue of arcos, or arches, tied together by cords hung with ichas (cakes in the form of puppets), leads up to the altar. The drama begins at dawn with trumpets and fireworks, followed by a slow procession through the arches. The rest of the drama unfolds throughout the day, culminating in the demolition of the arcos and the eating of the ichas. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: presencehoodoo - A person who practices voodoo; the word also describes a person or thing whose presence is supposed to bring bad luck. More... al fresco - Implies the presence of some nearby structure (one does not hike al fresco). More... pyrosis - Heartburn is actually pyrosis, caused by the presence of gastric secretions, called reflux, in the lower esophagus. More... evince - To indicate, to reveal the presence of a quality or feeling. More... | |