Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, March 21, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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miserly
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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ParenthesesParentheses are used to separate information that is not necessary to the structure or meaning of the surrounding text. When can parentheses be replaced by em dashes? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Terror BombingTerror bombing is a military strategy that involves deliberately bombing civilian targets in order to damage enemy morale and elicit panic. During World War II, the legality of area bombardment—the bombing of general regions rather than specific targets—rested on the language of treaties drafted in a time before aerial mass bombardment was possible. Despite diplomatic attempts, such language was not updated until after the war. How have treaties since 1945 treated the targeting of noncombatants? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Napoleonic Code Adopted in France (1804)One of Napoleon's first priorities after coming to power was revising the outdated French legal system. The resulting code was a clear framework of laws regarding property, family, and personal rights, replacing an antiquated, confusing patchwork of feudal laws. The code has since been amended but remains in effect in France. In the 200 years since it was enacted, the code has also influenced the laws of many European countries, the US state of Louisiana, and what Middle Eastern country? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Florenz Ziegfeld (1869)An American theatrical producer, Ziegfeld was best known for his Ziegfeld Follies, a series of lavish Broadway revues he produced for 24 years beginning in 1907. Combining comedy, pageantry, and beautiful women, the successful shows made Ziegfeld a legend while launching the careers of stars such as Will Rogers and Fanny Brice. He also produced the hit musical Show Boat in 1927. What actress first suggested the idea of the Follies to Ziegfeld? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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Are you having a laugh?— An exclamation of disbelief or incredulity, like "Are you being serious?" or "Are you kidding me?" Primarily heard in UK. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Sebring 12-Hour Race (2020)The International Grand Prix Sports Car 12-Hour Endurance Race held every year in March ranks with the Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans as one of the three great auto races in the world. Held in Sebring, Florida, since 1950, the event draws nearly 100,000 spectators and has featured such world-renowned drivers as Mario Andretti, Juan Fangio of Argentina, and Stirling Moss of England. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: proportionad valorem - A type of customs duties, from Latin, meaning "in proportion to the value." More... analogy - Comes from Greek analogia, "a proportion," such as 2/10 = 10/X, a way of calculating unknown quantities. More... bonsai - Comes from Japanese words meaning "tray planting" and involves growing and pruning so that all parts of the plant—flowers, leaves, and stems—are in proportion. More... reason - From Latin ratio, "thinking," and associated with the ideas of right order, proportion, or harmony. More... | |