Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, September 22, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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valiant
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Grading and Non-Grading AdverbsAdverbs of degree can be mild, medium, strong, or absolute in how they describe the intensity, degree, or extent of the word they modify. Adverbs that are mild, medium, or strong are known as "grading adverbs." What are "non-grading adverbs"? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 The Gratuitous UmlautAn umlaut is a diacritical mark consisting of two dots placed over a letter to alter pronunciation. However, the so-called "heavy metal umlaut" is used in the names of bands, such as Mötley Crüe and Motörhead, not to change pronunciation, but to evoke the stereotypes of boldness and strength commonly attributed to peoples whose languages incorporate such marks. It has since been widely parodied, including in the mockumentary This Is Spin¨al Tap. Which band first used a gratuitous umlaut? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Nathan Hale Is Hanged for Spying (1776)A young teacher at the start of the American Revolution, Hale joined the Continental Army and volunteered for the dangerous mission of spying on British forces. The inexperienced 21-year-old managed to penetrate the British lines but was captured and hanged without trial. His last words, reported as, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," became a symbol of the Revolutionary spirit. Yet, some question whether these were his exact words. What might he have actually said? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Michael Faraday (1791)Despite having little formal education, Faraday is responsible for some of the most significant scientific developments in history. His contributions include discovering electromagnetic induction, inventing the first electric motor and dynamo, developing the devices now known as Faraday cages, demonstrating the relation between electricity and chemical bonding, and discovering the effect of magnetism on light. In the 1850s, he refused—on ethical grounds—to advise the British government on what? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Every artist makes himself born. It is very much harder than the other time, and longer.Willa Cather (1873-1947) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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get down to work— To begin being serious about something; to begin attending to business or work at hand. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Mabon (2020)In ancient history, Celtic peoples observed the year's equinoxes and solstices as the four Quarter Days: Ostara (Vernal Equinox), Litha (Summer Solstice), Yule (Winter Solstice), and Mabon (Autumnal Equinox). Today, Wiccans and Neo-pagans retain the Mabon tradition. Typical celebrations of Mabon, which take place throughout the world, are circle ceremonies that recognize various harvest themes. A ceremonial site will be decorated with items like corn, apples, wine, or black and white candles. Participants may tell stories, light candles, chant, dance, or recite invocations. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: presencehoodoo - A person who practices voodoo; the word also describes a person or thing whose presence is supposed to bring bad luck. More... al fresco - Implies the presence of some nearby structure (one does not hike al fresco). More... pyrosis - Heartburn is actually pyrosis, caused by the presence of gastric secretions, called reflux, in the lower esophagus. More... evince - To indicate, to reveal the presence of a quality or feeling. More... | |