Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, September 9, 2021)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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convivial
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Regular and Irregular InflectionRegular inflection is governed by consistent, predictable rules. Irregular inflection doesn’t seem to follow any rules or conventions at all. What are some examples of irregular inflection? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 The Stout ScarabIn the 1930s, aircraft designer William Stout envisioned an automobile that could double as an office on wheels. The resulting Scarab, widely considered the world's first production minivan, was groundbreaking in its design. Stout eliminated the typical chassis and drive-shaft and placed the engine in the vehicle's rear. He also gave the Scarab a removable table and movable seating. Still, the vehicle never really caught on, largely due to its hefty price tag. How much did it cost to own one? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Tajikistan Gains Independence from the Soviet Union (1991)Russia first took control of Tajik lands in the 1880s. In the aftermath of the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Tajiks rebelled against Russian rule, and the Red Army did not retake control until 1921. Tajikistan was made an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan in 1924 and joined the USSR in 1929. In 1991, at around the time the USSR was being dissolved, the Republic of Tajikistan declared its independence. Civil war broke out a year later. When was a peace agreement reached? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Otis Redding (1941)Redding, an American soul singer known for his emotive style, began his career with Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and recorded his first hit, "These Arms of Mine," during time left over at the end of a Johnny Jenkins session. His biggest hit, "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," was recorded just days before he died in a plane crash at age 26. It became the first posthumous number-one single. What are some different explanations for why Redding whistles at the end of the song? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Insensible as he is to a thousand wants, and removed from harassing cares, may not the savage be the happier man of the two?Herman Melville (1819-1891) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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Are you having a laugh?— An exclamation of disbelief or incredulity, like "Are you being serious?" or "Are you kidding me?" Primarily heard in UK. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Tajikistan Independence Day (2023)On September 9, 1991, Tajikistan officially declared its independence from the distintegrating Soviet Union. Independence Day is celebrated with parades, solomn services, theatrical events, and pageantry. July 22 is another national holiday, celebrating the Tajik language. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: stiff | |