Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, July 19, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
treacly
| |||||||
| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
|---|---|
Focusing Adverbs that Partially Limit InformationFocusing adverbs are used to draw attention to a particular part of a clause. Sometimes, we want to emphasize information that isn't completely limited, but rather partially limited. What is the partially limiting focusing adverb in the following sentence? "A few people were missing at the party, notably Tom." More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
|---|---|
 Naming TabooIn China, the naming taboo is a cultural taboo against speaking or writing the given names of exalted persons. In the past, the taboo especially discouraged the use of the emperor's given name and those of his ancestors. For example, during the Qin dynasty, Qin Shi Huang's given name Zheng was avoided, and the first month of the year, "Zheng Yue," was renamed "Duan Yue." In 1777, lexicographer Wang Xihou wrote the full name of the Qianlong emperor in his dictionary. What was his punishment? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
|---|---|
 WWI: Battle of Fromelles Begins (1916)The Battle of Fromelles was fought in France during WWI between Germany and a combined force of British and Australian troops. More than 1,500 British and 5,500 Australian soldiers were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Germany, which suffered 1,500 casualties. The Australian War Memorial describes the battle as "the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire history." What future world leader is believed to have served in the battle? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
|---|---|
 Edgar Degas (1834)Degas was a French painter and sculptor. After copying the Old Masters and becoming a skilled draftsman, he was introduced to Impressionism by Édouard Manet. He then gave up his academic aspirations to pursue art exclusively. Many of his works depict the fast-paced city life of Paris, particularly the ballet, theater, circus, track, and cafés, and feature non-traditional compositions influenced by Japanese prints and photography. Which of his works was criticized for its "appalling ugliness"? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
|---|---|
 Love is influenced by no consideration, recognizes no restraints of reason, and is of the same nature as death, that assails alike the lofty palaces of kings and the humble cabins of shepherds; and when it takes entire possession of a heart, the first thing it does is to banish fear and shame from it.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
|---|---|
cat's pajamas— Something or someone highly enjoyable, desirable, or impressive, especially in a fancy or elaborate way. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
|---|---|
 Yarmouth Clam Festival (2019)Held in a small town in southern Maine, the Yarmouth Clam Festival has been a New England tradition since 1965. Festival goers have their choice of steamed clams, whole fried clams, clam strips, clam cakes, clam chowder, and fried clams in batter. Along with celebrating Yarmouth's seafood, the festival is also a fundraiser, with proceeds helping to support local nonprofit organizations. Beyond sampling clams and other seafood, attendees can choose from a number of other activities including rides, games, live music, an antique show, a parade on Friday night, and a fireworks show on Saturday. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
|---|---|
Today's topic: rulerrector - First was a ruler or governor, now it is generally a person conducting a religious service. More... sultan - Comes from the Arabic word for "ruler," from Aramaic shultana, "power." More... Inca - A Quechua word meaning "king, lord, ruler." More... rule - One of many words from Latin regula, "straight stick, ruler." More... | |