Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, November 17, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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exhilaration
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Making Infinitives NegativeTo make an infinitive or infinitive phrase negative, we use the word "not" before the infinitive. We can also put greater emphasis on "not" by placing it after "to." This creates what is known as a "split infinitive"—an infinitive that has an adverb between "to" and the base form of the verb. Is it ever acceptable to use split infinitives? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Snake OilSnake oil is a traditional Chinese remedy for joint pain and inflammation derived from the Chinese Water Snake. Imitations with unidentified or mischaracterized ingredients have caused the term "snake oil" to become synonymous in Western culture with remedies fraudulently marketed by charlatans as miraculous panaceas but which actually provide little health benefit. What were some of the ingredients of these so-called snake oils? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 First Attempted Assassination of Umberto I of Italy (1878)The son of Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I was king of Italy from 1878 to 1900. Increasingly authoritarian, he favored imperialistic and pro-German policies and disregarded the recommendations of parliamentary leaders. His orientation helped lead to the conclusion of the Triple Alliance. Facing increasing social unrest, he supported the imposition of martial law and created a period of turmoil that culminated in three attempts on his life. He survived the first two. Who was the third assassin? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Rock Hudson (1925)Hudson was an American actor who worked at odd jobs before making his film debut in 1948. His wholesome good looks made him a popular star in Douglas Sirk melodramas, and his comedic talents were displayed in a series of romantic comedies costarring Doris Day. He appeared in over 70 films and TV shows during the course of his career. His death from AIDS in 1985 greatly increased awareness of the disease. What notable film roles did Hudson reportedly turn down to film A Farewell to Arms? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 History, n.: An account mostly false, of events mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers mostly knaves, and soldiers mostly fools.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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gentleman's agreement— A legally non-binding arrangement that is guaranteed only by a verbal or mutually understood agreement by the parties involved. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Queen Elizabeth's Day (2019)This is the day on which Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1558 upon the death of her sister, Queen Mary I. The anniversary of her coronation was celebrated for more than 300 years after her reign ended, primarily as a holiday for those working in government offices. After the Gunpowder Plot was exposed in 1605, two years following Elizabeth's death, the day was marked by anti-papal demonstrations, which included burning the pope in effigy. Queen Elizabeth's Day eventually merged with the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: incapableimpassible, impassable - Impassible is incapable of feeling or suffering; impassable is not capable of being passed. More... impregnable - Means "incapable of being taken by force" (from French prendre, "seize"). More... indefatigable - Means "incapable of being wearied." More... inimitable - Means "unique; incapable of being imitated." More... | |