Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, March 21, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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beatific
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Statements of UncertaintyWe often use declarative sentences as an indirect way of asking a question about something that we're not certain about, expressing what we wish to know as a declarative, factual statement. How should such sentences be punctuated? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 WhiteScientifically speaking, white is the achromatic color of maximum lightness. Although we perceive it to be devoid of color, light that appears white to the human eye is actually a mixture of wavelengths of various colors. White has been used by artists and writers to symbolize and describe myriad things. French humorist Alphonse Allais is best known for his conceptual art piece, a blank white sheet of paper titled First Communion of Anemic Young Girls in the Snow. Why is snow white? 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 Napoleonic Code Adopted in France (1804)One of Napoleon's first priorities after coming to power was revising the outdated French legal system.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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 The happiest women, like the happiest nations, have no history.George Eliot (1819-1880) | |
| 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... | |