Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, October 31, 2015)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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phytophagous
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Using "Do" in Imperative SentencesWe can use the auxiliary verb "do" before the main verb of an imperative sentence. What does this add to the tone of the command, instruction, or request? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Earth First!In 1980, a group of radical environmental activists formed the group Earth First!, pledging “No Compromise in Defense of Mother Earth!” In 1985, the group held its first “tree sit,” in which members sat in and around trees to prevent logging. From about 1987 on, the group turned to direct action tactics and attracted many new members. Though the organization has its roots in the US, chapters have developed in countries spanning the globe. What was the Merseyside Dock Action? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Leiden University Library Opens in the Netherlands (1587)The city of Leiden played a prominent role in the revolt that would create an independent Dutch nation. In 1575—a year after Leiden had survived a siege by the Spanish—Prince William the Silent founded a university in the city. Today, Leiden University is the oldest in the Netherlands. Its library, once housed in a single room, is now home to a monumental collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and letters—some of which are centuries old and very rare. What was the library's first book? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Michael Landon (1936)After appearing in minor roles on TV, Landon made his film debut in 1957's I Was a Teenage Werewolf. He endeared himself to audiences as Little Joe in the western series Bonanza (1959-1973) and later as Charles Ingalls in the series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. He also sometimes wrote and directed episodes for the shows in which he acted, including Highway to Heaven. A prankster, Landon put what reptile in his mouth to get a laugh? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 It is not that the Englishman can't feel—it is that he is afraid to feel. He has been taught at his public school that feeling is bad form. He must not express great joy or sorrow, or even open his mouth too wide when he talks—his pipe might fall out if he did.E. M. Forster (1879-1970) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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explore every avenue— To investigate or pursue every possible means to find a solution to a given problem or to achieve a desired outcome. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Halloween (Scotland) (2019)Many of the traditional customs associated with Halloween in Scotland are described in the famous poem of that name by the Scottish poet Robert Burns. "Pulling the kail" referred to the custom of sending boys and girls out into the garden (or kailyard) blindfolded to pull up the first plant they encountered; its size, shape, and texture would reveal the appearance and disposition of the finder's future husband or wife. It was also believed that by eating an apple in front of a mirror, a young woman could see the reflection of her future mate peering over her shoulder. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: merchandisebale - A package of merchandise. More... avoirdupois weight, Imperial weight - Avoirdupois or Imperial weight is commonly used to measure food, people, and merchandise. More... emporeutic - Means pertaining to merchandise or to trade. More... merchant, merchandise - Merchant and merchandise come from Latin mercari, "to trade." More... | |