Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, February 21, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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turnkey
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Modal Verbs that Indicate PossibilityBecause modal auxiliary verbs can be quite similar in how they are used, it is sometimes unclear when it's more appropriate to use one instead of another. For instance, we use "may," and "might" to express a possibility. Which of these verbs tends to express less certainty or a lower likelihood? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 The Mukden IncidentThe Mukden Incident was a false flag operation engineered by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for invading Manchuria, in northern China. On September 18, 1931, a Japanese lieutenant detonated a small quantity of dynamite close to a railroad owned by a Japanese company. Accusing Chinese dissidents of the act, the Imperial Japanese Army responded with a full invasion and occupation and set up a puppet state within six months. What was the name of the state established by the Japanese? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 First Issue of The New Yorker Is Published (1925)The New Yorker is an American magazine known for its sophisticated tone, liberal political perspective, varied literary fare, and witty single-panel cartoons. It was founded by journalist Harold Ross, who aimed to create a sophisticated, metropolitan magazine—in contrast to publications such as Life, which he saw as unrefined. Now one of the most respected publications in the US, The New Yorker is recognized for its strict style and high-quality content. Who is its mascot? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Anaïs Nin (1903)Born in France to a Spanish father and French-Dutch mother, Nin began her literary career in Paris in the 1930s but did not receive widespread recognition until the 60s. Frequently moving between France and the US, Nin was influenced by psychoanalysis and Surrealism. Her intensely personal diaries were the basis for many of her novels and stories, which are noted for their poetic style and searching portraits of women. She was also known for her relationship with which well-known author? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 A just fear of an imminent danger, though there be no blow given, is a lawful cause of war.Francis Bacon (1561-1626) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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go at it hammer and tongs— To do something or perform some task with tremendous fervor, determination, energy, or forcefulness. An allusion to the force with which a blacksmith strikes metal using a hammer and tongs. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (2020)The Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, also called the Rondy, is a city-wide celebration held in Anchorage, Alaska. The Rondy has its origins in the days when fur trappers capped off a season of trapping by carousing in Anchorage; it was formalized as a winter carnival in 1936. Highlighting the celebration is the World Championship Sled Dog Race, a 75-mile race run in three 25-mile legs on three successive days. Other events include parades, the Miners and Trappers Ball, Eskimo blanket tossing, a snowshoe baseball game, wristwrestling matches, and performances of old-time melodrama. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: wheelsgurney - A stretcher with wheels. More... axel, axle - Axel is the figure-skating jump; axle is the pin or rod between two wheels. More... dry steering - The act of turning the wheels of a car that is not moving. More... three-point landing - An aircraft landing in which the two wheels of the main landing gear and the tail or nose wheel touch the ground simultaneously. More... | |