Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, August 8, 2016)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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complaisance
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Negative ImperativesWhen we make an imperative sentence, we use the infinitive form of the verb (without "to"), and we omit the subject of the verb. What can we put before the infinitive verb to make an imperative statement negative? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Internet FlamingWhether it takes the form of a long-term "holy war" or a brief "pie fight," Internet flaming, a form of hostile interaction that occurs between users of a public electronic forum, can be devastating to an online community. Flames are often malicious, offensive attacks on points of view that differ from the flamer's. Many believe the phenomenon is perpetuated by the anonymity of online interaction, which allows flamers to avoid real-life consequences. What are some famous examples of flaming? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 2008 Summer Olympics Begin in Beijing, China (2008)At 8:08 PM on 8-8-08, the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics began. Held in the new Beijing National Stadium—nicknamed "the Bird's Nest"—it marked China's first time hosting the Olympics. The nearly four-hour event, which showcased Chinese culture, was a popular and logistical success, and the games became one of the most-watched TV events in history. However, in the international torch relay before the opening ceremony, protests in what city caused the Olympic torch to be extinguished? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (1902)Dirac was an influential English mathematician and theoretical physicist. In 1928, he published a version of quantum mechanics taking into account the theory of relativity. His theory predicted an antiparticle to the electron, and, in 1932, the positron was discovered. That year, Dirac was appointed to the same University of Cambridge chair once held by Isaac Newton. Likely autistic, Dirac was known for his precise nature and literal view of the world. How did he once introduce his wife? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 There is no explanation for evil. It must be looked upon as a necessary part of the order of the universe. To ignore it is childish, to bewail it senseless.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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the half of it— A portion of something, typically implied to be the most important of significant part. (Often used in the negative.) More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Eisteddfod (2020)The Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales dates back to the 12th century. Its purpose is to encourage the preservation of Welsh music and literature, and only those who sing or write in Welsh may enter. The annual event opens with the blowing of trumpets, followed by all kinds of musical and literary contests—harp playing, solo and choral singing, dramatic presentations, and poetic composition. The National Eisteddfod is held in northern Wales one year and southern Wales the next. Other Eisteddfodau are held in Welsh communities elsewhere from May to November. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: hintadumbrate - Means "to give a sketchy outline or disclose only in part; hint," and its root is Latin umbra, "shadow." More... allude, refer - To allude is to "mention indirectly, hint at," and to refer is to "mention directly." More... infer, imply - Infer means "to deduce, reason," and imply means "to hint at, suggest." More... inkle, inkling - To inkle is to communicate in an undertone or whisper, to give a hint of something, which gives us inkling. More... | |