Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, October 31, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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despairing
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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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 OnsenA volcanically active country, Japan is home to thousands of geothermally heated hot springs called onsen. Traditionally used as public bathing places, onsen now play a central role in domestic tourism and are often enjoyed by those who want to escape the hectic life of the city, relax, and benefit from the healing powers believed to be derived from the water's mineral content. When discussing onsen, the Japanese often cite the virtues of "naked communion," which refers to what? 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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 I pay very little regard...to what any young person says on the subject of marriage. If they profess a disinclination for it, I only set it down that they have not yet seen the right person.Jane Austen (1775-1817) | |
| 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... | |