Daily Content Archive
(as of Monday, November 11, 2024)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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calve
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Defining Modal Auxiliary VerbsA modal auxiliary verb is used to change the meaning of other verbs by expressing modality—that is, asserting (or denying) possibility, likelihood, ability, permission, obligation, or future intention. What are modal verbs unable to do? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Mud VolcanoesMud volcanoes are formations created by the geological emission of liquids and gases. They are frequently associated with earthquake zones, and when they erupt, they release an often acidic slurry as well as methane and other hydrocarbon gases. Some mud volcanoes also spew flames when they erupt, though the volcanoes themselves tend to be relatively cool. A 2006 drilling accident in Indonesia created a mud volcano that inundated a number of villages and displaced how many people? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Highwayman Joseph "Blueskin" Blake Hanged (1724)In the early 18th century, English criminal Jonathan Wild maintained a highly organized gang of thieves and long escaped punishment by posing as an instrument of justice and helping the authorities catch other criminals independent of, or rebellious to, his control. One such criminal was Blake, who was arrested after a burglary. He was tried, convicted, and hanged. What other notorious criminal—Blake's partner in crime—escaped from prison when Blake attacked a witness at his trial? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Alessandro Moreschi (1858)Moreschi was the late 19th century's most famous castrato—a male singer who undergoes castration before puberty and, as a result, retains a soprano or alto voice that becomes extraordinarily powerful as he develops the lung capacity and physical bulk of an adult. He was first soprano in the Sistine Chapel choir for 30 years and was the only castrato of the bel canto tradition to make solo sound recordings. What do modern music critics say about the singing featured in these recordings? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 All architecture is great architecture after sunset; perhaps architecture is really a nocturnal art, like the art of fireworks.Gilbert Chesterton (1874-1936) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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a kindred spirit— A person who shares several or many fundamental beliefs, ideas, convictions, sentiments, attitudes, and/or interests with oneself. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Veterans Day (Emporia, Kansas) (2024)Veterans Day was founded in Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953. For decades, November 11 was observed in the United States as Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of World War I. But in 1953 the City of Emporia created a special program to honor all veterans; the U.S. Congress passed a bill changing the name of the federal holiday the following year. In recognition of its role in defining Veterans Day, Emporia celebrates the holiday with 10 days of special events, including museum exhibits, races, essay and poster contests, luncheons, and memorial luminaria. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: hosthost - One of its early senses was "army." More... harbinger - Originally, one who provided lodging or acted as a host. More... table d' hote, prix fixe - Table d' hote, literally "table of the host," is a complete meal with specified courses for a set price—and means the same as prix fixe. More... French leave - Comes from the French custom of leaving a ball or dinner without saying goodbye to the host or hostess. More... | |