Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, October 10, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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petiole
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Finite and Non-finite VerbsFinite verbs have subjects and indicate grammatical tense, person, and number. Non-finite verbs do not have tenses or subjects that they correspond to. What are some examples of non-finite verbs? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 NeopaganismNeopaganism is an umbrella term for a variety of modern religious movements, particularly those inspired by the pre-Christian traditions of the Egyptians, Greeks, Norse, and Celts. Neopagans fall into two broad categories, nature-oriented and magical groups, and often engage in arcane and elaborate rituals. Two of the movement's most influential thinkers were Alphonse L. Constant and Gerard Encausse, who helped popularize the movement in the 19th century. What is the largest Neopagan religion? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Battle of Tours (732 CE)In 661 CE, the first Islamic dynasty rose to prominence and sought to extend its power. The Muslims, seeking control of Aquitaine, were met by Charles Martel's Frankish forces, who were able to halt them at the Battle of Tours. It was not a decisive victory, but the Arabs retreated after their leader was killed, and some historians deem it a watershed moment in preserving Christianity in Europe. The battle greatly enhanced Martel's prestige at the time. What nickname was bestowed on him? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 R. K. Narayan (1906)A leading figure of early Indian literature in English, Narayan first came to international attention in 1935, with the publication of his first novel Swami and Friends. This book and many of his later novels and short stories are set in the fictional town of Malgudi and give readers a witty, vital, and perceptive glimpse of village life in South India, where modern life and tradition often clash. Narayan also penned several nonfiction works and modern prose versions of what Indian epics? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 The distinction between freedom and liberty is not accurately known; naturalists have never been able to find a living specimen of either.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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a mother hen— A person who looks out for the welfare of others, especially to a fussy, intrusive, or overprotective degree. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Double Tenth Day (2021)Double Tenth Day is a national holiday in Taiwan to commemorate the Chinese Revolution of October 10, 1911. The revolt marked the end of the Ching, or Qing, Dynasty that had been established in 1644 by the Manchus, and it led to the founding of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. For several weeks before Double Tenth Day, the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei is illuminated. Celebrations include massive parades and rallies, displays of martial arts, folk dancing, and other cultural activities. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: sailorshurrah, hurray, hooray - Hurrah, hurray, and hooray are alterations of huzza, a sailor's cheer. More... jumper - First a loose jacket worn by sailors, from jump, "a short coat." More... put through the hoop - An ancient marine phrase for a punishment for sailors involving an iron hoop. More... smart money - A phrase meaning money bet by those in the know, originating in 1926; earlier than that, it meant "money paid to sailors, soldiers, workers, etc., who have been disabled while on the job." More... | |