Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, April 21, 2022)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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intaglio
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Ending Exclamatory SentencesExclamation points are most often used in place of periods to end declarative sentences that express a very strong emotion, such as anger, excitement, surprise, or disgust. What are such sentences sometimes called? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 AsbestosNowadays, the idea of being exposed to asbestos strikes fear in the hearts of most. But just a couple of generations ago, people embraced asbestos-containing materials for their fire-and corrosion-resistant properties. Asbestos—a product obtained from a family of fibrous hydrated silicates—was used in fireproofing, electrical insulation, and various other building materials as well as safety apparel, brake pads, and countless other products. When was it discovered to be a serious health hazard? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 World's Fair Starts in Seattle, Washington (1962)Hosted at the dawn of the Space Age, the 1962 World's Fair featured a glittering array of futuristic technology. Nearly 10 million people came to see the new cars and gadgets or ride to the top of the new Space Needle. While its technology was advanced, the fair anticipated none of the social changes soon to come—the society of the future looked like that of 1950s, but with gyrocopters. Why did US President John F. Kennedy lie, claiming to be too sick to attend the closing ceremony? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 John Muir (1838)Once an aspiring industrial engineer, US conservationist John Muir devoted himself to nature after losing an eye in an 1867 factory accident. That year, he walked from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of about 1,000 mi (1,600 km). He then moved to California and spent much of the next 12 years traveling and writing about nature. He promoted the idea of national forest preserves and helped establish Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. What four items did he take on his backcountry hikes? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.Washington Irving (1783-1859) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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(as) nice as ninepence— Very tidy, neat, and well-organized; in good order. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Inconfidência Week (2025)The Inconfidência was a colonial uprising for Brazilian independence from Portugal at the end of the 18th century. It is celebrated during the week of April 21 by paying tribute to Joaquim José da Silva Xavier—known as Tiradentes ("tooth-puller") for his dentistry practice—who became a martyr when the uprising was put down and he was executed. The Inconfidência Week festivities include performances by orchestras, bands, and choirs, and athletic competitions. The city of Ouro Preto is honorarily restored as state capital of Minas Gerais during the festival. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: waistdrop waist - One that has the seam at the hips, rather than the waist. More... blouse - First a garment, usually belted at the waist, worn by peasants or workmen. More... midriff - Based on the Old English hrif, "belly," it is the front of the body between the chest and the waist. More... calypso - The style in which a shirt's tails are tied in a knot at the waist. More... | |