Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, May 23, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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buttonhole
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Articles Used with Vowel Sounds vs. Consonant SoundsWe use the indefinite article "a" when it precedes a word beginning with a consonant sound. Which article do we use before a word beginning with a vowel sound? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 FisticuffsAlternately known as fisticuffs, bare-knuckle boxing is the original form of boxing and involves two combatants fighting without gloves or padding on their hands. Though closely related to ancient combat sports, it differs from street fighting in that there are specific rules that participants must observe, such as not striking an opponent who is already down. John L. Sullivan, who won a 75-round match in 1889, was one of the last great bare-knuckle boxers. Who are some other notable pugilists? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Girolamo Savonarola Executed for Heresy (1498)Savonarola was an Italian preacher and religious reformer. After the overthrow of the Medici family, he became the ruler of Florence, setting up a democratic but severely puritanical government. He was opposed by the allies of the Medici and by Pope Alexander VI, who attempted to restrain Savonarola's unusual interpretations of scripture and his claim of prophecy. He was tried, convicted of heresy, and hanged. His government was known for its "bonfire of the vanities," which was what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Artie Shaw (1910)Considered one of swing's two great clarinetists—along with his rival, Benny Goodman—Shaw was a virtuoso at his instrument. He began playing professionally as a teen before becoming leader of one of the most popular big bands of the swing era. In 1935, he performed with a string quartet that he later expanded into a more conventional dance band. He led a US Navy band during World War II and various ensembles later on, retiring in 1954. How many times was Shaw married? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 I am tempted to think that to be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman.William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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all of a dither— In a nervous, confused, or agitated state. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Declaration of the Bab (2024)Declaration of the Bab is a joyous Baha'i festival to celebrate the Bab's announcement in 1844 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), that he was the "gate" (which is the meaning of Bab) to the coming of the promised one of all religions. This proclamation is considered the beginning of the Baha'i faith, although the religion was founded after the Bab's death. This day is holy to Baha'is and a day on which work is suspended. Its observation begins at about two hours after sunset on May 22. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: sendinggranulated sugar - So called because the last step in processing white table sugar is sending it through a granulator, where it is dried and formed into tiny grains. More... mission - First denoted sending the Holy Spirit into the world, from Latin mittere, "send." More... perennial - First meant "remaining leafy throughout the year"; plants living three or more years—dying aboveground and sending up fresh growth every year—are perennials. More... radio - An abbreviation of radiotelegraphy, the sending of messages by electromagnetic rays. More... | |