Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, October 26, 2024)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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prerogative
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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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 MuscadineMuscadine, a grapevine species native to the southeastern US, has been used in the production of port and fine wines since the 16th century. Recent reports regarding the relatively high antioxidant content of muscadine wines have boosted their popularity. In fact, these wines were found to contain more than five times the amount of the life-prolonging compound resveratrol than ordinary red wines. Why do muscadine plants produce these antioxidants? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Erie Canal Opens (1825)The Erie Canal is a New York waterway that runs between Albany and Buffalo, linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie. It was born out of the need for an all-American water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast that became evident after the American Revolution. The canal contributed greatly to the development of New York City and the Midwest, allowing for the transport of people and supplies. Commercial traffic on the canal has since dwindled, and it is now used mainly for what purpose? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 François Mitterrand (1916)Initially a supporter of the Vichy government during World War II, Mitterrand joined the Resistance in 1943. After the war, he held cabinet posts in 11 Fourth Republic governments. He ran unsuccessfully against Charles de Gaulle's government in 1965 but was elected president in 1981 and 1988, after which he strongly promoted European integration. Mitterrand retired in 1995, having served longer than any other French president. Who succeeded him as president of France? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Pain like mine demands new modes of song.Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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in favor (with someone)— Highly regarded (by someone); widely accepted or enjoyed (by someone). Primarily heard in US. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Austria National Day (2024)National Day commemorates the day in 1955 when Soviet occupation forces left Austria after taking control in 1945. The Austrian State Treaty of May 15, 1955, ensured that Austrians would regain sovereignty over their country on July 27. By October 26, it was once again a free, independent country. Although it is a national holiday in Austria, people do not get the day off from school or work, mainly because of the idea that one's country is best served by working. Schools hold special presentations, and the president delivers a speech. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: scorehopscotch - A game in which one must "hop" over the lines scratched in the ground; scotch means "scratched" or "to score." It was once called hop-score. More... Apgar score - A measure of a baby's wellbeing that takes into account respiratory effort, skin color, heart rate, muscle tone, and sense of smell—named for American anesthetist Virginia Apgar. More... earned run - In baseball, a run scored without the aid of errors by the opposing team's fielders. More... points in the paint - Refers to basketball points scored from within the free-throw lane. More... | |