Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, January 17, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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propitiate
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Examples of PrepositionsPrepositions are used to express the relationship of a noun or pronoun (or another grammatical element functioning as a noun) to the rest of the sentence. The noun or pronoun that is connected by the preposition is known as the "object of the preposition." What are some common prepositions? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 BharatanatyamBharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. One of five major dance styles corresponding to each of the elements, Bharatanatyam represents the mystic manifestation of fire in the human body. The movements of Bharatanatyam dancers resemble a dancing flame, while their expressive hand gestures communicate specific meanings. Rooted in Hindu tradition, the dance form has since crossed religious boundaries and is now studied by members of what other religions? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Great Brink's Robbery (1950)After months of planning a heist on Boston's Brink's building, a band of 11 robbers put the plan in motion on January 17, 1950. Seven men dressed like Brink's workers—but with masks and gloves—entered the building around 7 PM and left with $2.7 million about 30 minutes later. The robbers conspired not to touch the bulk of the money until the statute of limitations expired. It appeared to be the perfect crime, but the gang members were arrested in 1956. How did they get caught? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Benjamin Franklin (1706)Regarded as one of the most extraordinary public servants in American history, Franklin was also a printer, publisher, author, scientist, and inventor. After gaining popularity as the publisher of Poor Richard's Almanack, he promoted public services in Philadelphia, including a library and a fire department. In 1776, he went to France to seek aid for the American Revolution, and in 1787 he was instrumental in the adoption of the US Constitution. What musical instrument did he invent? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Let us not tire of a good work, hard though it be and wearisome; think of the many little hearts that in their sorrow look to us for help.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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on the gravy train— In a state, position, or job where one makes an excessive amount of money without expending much or any effort. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Benjamin Franklin's Birthday (2022)Born in Boston on this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin helped edit, and was a signer of, the Declaration of Independence. He also helped to frame the Constitution. When he died in 1790 in Philadelphia, he was given the most impressive funeral that city had ever seen: 20,000 people attended. In Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute Science Museum holds a two-day "birthday bash" that often involves people dressing as Franklin. The celebration takes place on the weekend preceding Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is the Monday after January 15. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: runnerrunner - A blade of a skate or sled. The supports on which a drawer slides are also called runners. More... dromedary, Bactrian - A one-hump camel is a dromedary (from Latin, meaning "swift camel," from Greek dromas, "runner") and a two-hump camel is a Bactrian (from Bactria in Asia). More... cursor - First meant "runner" or "running messenger" and is now the moving/movable indicator on a computer screen. More... dromomania - A mania for roaming or running, from Latin dromas. More... | |