Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, January 18, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Verbs of ProgressionVerbs that show progression, growth, or development are also often used as linking verbs. "Become" is a prime example of this kind of verb—it links an adjective that describes a development or progression by the subject. What are some other verbs that can function as linking verbs in a similar way? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Goliath BeetlesNamed after the biblical giant slain by David, goliath beetles are among the largest insects on Earth. Native to Africa, they are found mostly in tropical forests, where they feed primarily on tree sap and fruit. Heavily armored, they measure from 2 to 4.3 inches (50–110 mm) long as adults and can reach weights of up 3.5 ounces (100 grams) in the larval stage, though adults are only about half this weight. How long do they live? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Twenty-One Demands (1915)Japan gained a large sphere of interest in northern China through its victories in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War, thus joining the ranks of the European imperialist powers scrambling to establish control over China. Japan used its 1914 declaration of war against Germany as grounds for invading German holdings in China. Then, ignoring the Chinese request to withdraw, Japan secretly presented the Chinese president with an ultimatum. What were some of the demands? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Archibald Alexander Leach, AKA Cary Grant (1904)Grant performed with an acrobatic comedy troupe in England before he found parts in stage musicals. After he made his film debut in 1932, his debonair charm, good looks, and distinctive voice made him a popular star in sophisticated comedies such as Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, and The Philadelphia Story. He also starred in many Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, including North by Northwest. He received an honorary Academy Award in 1970. What was his last film? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 My experience is that as soon as people are old enough to know better, they don't know anything at all.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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lose (one's)/the way— To become lost; to become unable to find the correct course forward. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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.jpg) St. Sebastian's Day Festival (Zinacantán) (2025)In Zinacantán, Chiapas State, Mexico, there is a celebration for several days in honor of St. Sebastian that marks the transfer of authority from the Big Alcalde (or chief magistrate) to his successor. There is an elaborate ritual during which he hands over an image of San Sebastian and other symbols of his authority. The festival also features a jousting pantomime, dancing to the rhythm of a special drum, two feasts, and a mock healing ceremony. The connection between the Día de San Sebastián festivities and the martyrdom of St. Sebastian, however, remains obscure. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: scrapeerase - From Latin e-, "out," and radere, "scrape." More... raze, razor - Raze, from French raser, "shave close," is from Latin radere, "scrape, scratch"—also giving us razor. More... gride - To scratch, scrape, or cut with a grating sound. More... scrumble - To scrape or scratch (something) out of or from. More... | |