Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, August 24, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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stouthearted
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Common Modifier MistakesIf we place a modifier too far away from the thing it describes, it can become a "misplaced modifier." We must also make sure that the thing being modified is explicitly stated in the text, otherwise we might be left with a "dangling modifier." What is a "squinting modifier"? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 East HamptonThe affluent residential community of East Hampton, located at the very end of Long Island and surrounded by water on three sides, is the easternmost town in New York State. As part of the area known as "The Hamptons," the beach town is well-known as a playground of the rich and famous. Houses there can sell for millions of dollars, and many celebrities vacation there in the summer. In winter, the town's population plummets. What famous pirate may have buried treasure in East Hampton? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Pete Rose Is Banned from Baseball (1989)During his 24-year baseball career, Rose played in more games and got more hits than any player in history. Even so, the onetime Most Valuable Player could not avoid a lifetime ban from the sport after being accused of betting on baseball games—including those of his own team. In return for not having the charges formally proven, Rose accepted the banishment, which rendered him ineligible for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. However, he later spent five months in federal prison—for what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Siaka Stevens (1905)Almost immediately after being sworn in as prime minister of Sierra Leone in 1967, Stevens was overthrown in a coup. He was recalled from exile after another coup 13 months later. In 1971, he became the first president of Sierra Leone, and during his tenure he made Sierra Leone a single-party state. His administration was plagued by corruption and economic mismanagement, and despite economic and civil turmoil, he remained in office until his peaceful retirement in 1985. Who succeeded him? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 It is a true saying that a man must eat a peck of salt with his friend before he knows him.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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go to wrack and ruin— To fall into severe or total decay, degradation, or ruination, as from disuse or lack of upkeep. ("Wrack," a now-archaic word meaning wreckage or destruction, is also often spelled "rack.") More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Liberia Flag Day (2025)The Liberian flag bears a striking resemblance to the American flag, a reminder of the historical ties between this West African country and the United States. Eleven horizontal stripes represent the signers of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, while the single white star signifies Liberia's former position as the sole free black state in Africa. Flag Day, a patriotic day paying homage to Liberia's national emblem, is an official public holiday. Citizens and public buildings display their flags, and parades often feature schoolchildren and military units. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: leftoverspick-up, pick-up dinner - A pick-up or pick-up dinner is one made up of leftovers. More... ort, orts - An ort is a morsel or remaining scrap; orts is another name for leftovers. More... leftover, relic, relief - Before leftovers were called leftovers, they were called relics, and, before that, relief. More... gallimaufry - A medley or confused jumble, especially a dish made of leftovers, from French gallimaufry, "ragout, hash." More... | |