Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, January 23, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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abdicate
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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The PredicateThe predicate is, essentially, everything in the sentences that follows the subject. It is made up of at least one finite verb. What is a compound predicate? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 RubiesRubies are precious gemstones that range in color from light pink to blood red and are second only to the diamond in hardness. They are found chiefly in Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka and are classified among the most valuable of gems. The rare star ruby, which shows an internal star-shaped formation when cut into a cabochon, is an example of a gemstone whose value is actually increased by an inclusion. Why can rubies be found beneath building foundations in some Asian countries? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Principality of Liechtenstein Is Created (1719)Occupying 62 square miles (160 sq km) between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein was formed when the Austrian family of the same name purchased the lordships of Schellenberg and Vaduz in the Holy Roman Empire. It became fully independent in 1866. Today, the tiny mountainous country has no airport, no military, and very little crime. It is best known for its financial industry but is also a leading producer of sausage casings and false teeth. What is Liechtenstein's population? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Jean-Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt (1910)Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Gypsy jazz guitarist whose blend of swing and traditional Gypsy music, as well as his unconventional technique, made him a legendary figure in jazz. He learned to play guitar while traveling in France as a child and began playing professionally at 12. Severely burned in a caravan fire in 1928, he lost the use of two of his fingers but adapted his style to the disability. What heavy metal guitarist was inspired by Reinhardt to keep playing after his own hand injury? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 We must eat to live and live to eat.Henry Fielding (1707-1754) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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keep a sharp lookout (for something or someone)— To remain vigilant or carefully watchful (for something or someone). More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 San Ildefonso Pueblo Feast Day (2021)These late-January festivities mark a highlight in the ceremonial year at San Ildefonso Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico. January 23 is the pueblo's feast day, celebrated with a special church service and dances, such as the Buffalo, Comanche, and Deer dances. The dances are a way of paying respect and giving thanks for the animals on which people depend for food and other materials. On the evening before, there are bonfires and a firelight procession. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: helmetcrest - From Latin crista, "plume, tuft," it first referred to the erect feathers of a plume on a helmet or headdress. More... panache - Can be a tuft or plume of feathers on a headdress or helmet. More... coif, coiffure, coiffeur - Coif, coiffure, and coiffeur (hairdo, hairstyle) derive from Latin cofia, "helmet." More... galeated - Means "shaped like a helmet" or "wearing a helmet." More... | |