Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, February 27, 2025)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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bobbin
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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When to Use a SlashUsing a slash is generally considered informal by style guides, and its use is discouraged in formal, academic, and professional writing. What is the only time a slash is considered acceptable in formal writing? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 ScorpionsThere are approximately 1,300 known species of scorpion, and they are all venomous. Scorpions have two types of venom: a translucent, weaker venom used to stun and an opaque, more potent venom used to kill heavier threats. Although their venom is optimized to affect other arthropods and is relatively harmless to humans, a few species have venom potent enough to be lethal. What scientific fact challenges the ancient belief that scorpions sting themselves to death when surrounded by fire? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 The Reichstag Fire (1933)The 1933 fire at the German Parliament building known as the Reichstag was a pivotal event in the establishment of Nazi Germany. Allegedly set by a Dutch communist, the fire was used by Adolf Hitler to turn public opinion against his opponents, especially the communists. Immediately after the fire, he enacted a decree suspending constitutional protection of personal rights, effectively establishing the Nazi Party dictatorship. Why do some believe the fire was set by the Nazis themselves? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Hugo LaFayette Black (1886)Black was a US Supreme Court Justice for 34 years. A prominent supporter of the New Deal, he was also in the majority that struck down mandatory school prayer and guaranteed the availability of legal counsel to suspected criminals. He was known for an absolutist belief in the Bill of Rights, and his last major opinion supported the right of The New York Times to publish the Pentagon Papers, which revealed improper government conduct. To what secret society did Black once belong? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 The sea—this truth must be confessed—has no generosity. No display of manly qualities—courage, hardihood, endurance, faithfulness—has ever been known to touch its irresponsible consciousness of power.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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make the best of a bad bargain— To deal with and create the best possible outcome of a bad, unfortunate, or unpleasant situation or set of circumstances. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Dominican Republic Independence Day (2025)In the 1830s, Juan Pablo Duarte (1813-1876) organized a secret society known as La Trinitaria to fight the Haitians. After a long struggle, independence was finally declared on February 27, 1844. February 27 is still observed as the country's Independence Day and is celebrated with parades and political meetings. Dominicans usually celebrate Carnival along with Independence Day—thousands gather in the capital, Santo Domingo, for the traditional day-long parade and street party. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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