Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, September 3, 2023)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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passementerie
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Defining the Habitual AspectThe habitual aspect, like the continuous aspect, is also a subclass of the imperfective aspect. It is used when an action occurs repetitively and (usually) predictably. English only has two marked ways of expressing habitual aspect. What are they? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Apple CiderApple cider is a non-alcoholic drink made from pressing apples, and differs from conventional apple juice in its tart taste and cloudy appearance. It is made from a blend of apples, and each mill keeps its blend secret. Especially popular in the US and Canada, cider is typically best in late autumn. In the US, fermented apple cider is known as hard cider. Hot, or mulled, cider is a popular cider variation, and consists of heated cider and spices. What is the risk of drinking unpasteurized cider? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Qatar Becomes an Independent State (1971)Qatar, located on a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf, became a British protectorate in 1916. It remained under British control for more than 50 years, a period during which oil was discovered there and Qatar rapidly modernized. In 1968, Britain declared that it would disengage from the region, and Qatar joined a federation of nearby states. However, disputes arose, and, in 1971, Qatar became an independent state. Prior to the discovery of oil there, Qatar was noted for what unusual industry? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Diane de Poitiers (1499)As a lady-in-waiting at the French royal court, Diane captivated the man who would become King Henry II of France—though he was 20 years her junior. After the death of her husband, she became Henry's mistress. Following his coronation in 1547, Diane held court as queen in all but name, while the real queen lived in relative obscurity. However, after Henry's 1559 death, she was forced to retire from court. Her death may have been the result of drinking too much gold in an elixir meant to do what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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roll (one's) eyes— To turn one's eyes upward or around in a circle, usually as an expression of exasperation, annoyance, impatience, or disdain. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Taiwan Armed Forces Day (2025)Founded in 1955, Armed Forces Day in Taiwan honors the country's military and celebrates their victory over the Japanese in World War II (called the War of Resistance in Taiwan). The day is marked by military parades featuring special units chosen for their precision and outstanding performance. A troop-cheering by the onlookers is part of the celebration, as are educational activities covering the history of the war period and the role of the Taiwanese military in defeating the enemy. The day is also marked by the members of the armed forces having a rare day off from work. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: smilesmilet - A little smile. More... mandarin crease, risorius of Santorini - Below each side of the mouth is the mandarin crease; the muscle that pulls the corners up to smile is the risorius of Santorini. More... miracle - From Latin miraculum, "object of wonder"; its ultimate root meant "to smile upon." More... gelasin - The dimples that appear when you smile are gelasins. More... | |