Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, September 17, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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The Present Continuous for Actions Happening at the Moment of SpeechThe most common occurrence of the present continuous is when someone or something is performing an action at the very moment being described. What is the present continuous verb in the following sentence? "I am going home now." More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 The Last MealThroughout history, prisoners condemned to death have customarily been offered a special "last meal." In premodern Europe, it was a symbolic social act where, by accepting the last meal, the condemned was believed to forgive the executioner, judge, and witnesses. Although alcohol was once used to soothe prisoners and keep them from lashing out during the execution process, alcohol is now generally barred from these meals. What are some of the last meals chosen by notable inmates over the years? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 US Constitution Signed in Philadelphia (1787)The US Constitution embodies the fundamental principles upon which the American republic is conducted. It was drawn up at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and signed in 1787, and it was ratified by the required number of states the following year. It superseded the Articles of Confederation in force since 1781 and established the system of federal government that began to function in 1789. It includes seven articles and a preamble. How many amendments have since been adopted? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Maureen Connolly (1934)Known as "Little Mo," Connolly was one of America's greatest female tennis players. At 14, she became the youngest winner of the National Girl's Tournament. At 16, she became the youngest player to win the US national singles championship and successfully defended the title in the two years that followed. She also won three straight Wimbledon championships starting in 1952. In 1953, she became the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same year. Why did she retire at age 19? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 That is the natural way of women...to scorn the one that loves them, and love the one that hates them.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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like a chicken with the pip— In low spirits; in a weak or sickened state or manner. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Angola National Heroes Day (2024)National Heroes Day in Angola is celebrated on the birthday of the man considered to be the nation's founder, Antonio Agostinho Neto. National Heroes Day honors Neto, his ideals for his country, and his accomplishments, as well as those who lost their lives in the struggle for Angolan independence. In addition to ceremonies and speeches, special sports events are often held on this day, including competitions in basketball, cycling, football, chess, swimming, volleyball, and other athletics. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: harmfulcatalytic converter - A device with a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful ones. More... allergen - Though allergens are not harmful themselves, when they are combined with certain antibodies, a reaction (i.e. the allergy) liberates substances that damage body cells and tissues. More... intrigant - A person who plots something illicit or harmful. More... nocuous - Meaning "harmful, noxious," it is based on Latin nocere, "to hurt." More... | |