Daily Content Archive

(as of Thursday, June 24, 2021)
Word of the Day

demagogue

Definition:(noun) A leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
Synonyms:rabble-rouser
Usage: The seditious harangues of demagogues in Faneuil Hall have made rebels of a loyal people and deprived me of my country.
Daily Grammar Lesson

Defining Inflection

Grammatical inflection is the way in which a word is changed or altered in form in order to achieve a new, specific meaning. Verbs are the most commonly inflected words, changing form to reflect grammatical tense, as well as mood, voice, aspect, person, and speech. Collectively, this is known as what? More...
Article of the Day

Sleeping Beauty Syndrome

Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), also known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome or Rip Van Winkle disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by periods of ravenous appetite alternating with prolonged sleep of up to 18 hours and behavioral disturbances, confusion, and hallucinations upon waking. The pattern can last several weeks, and there is no specific treatment. It occurs most often in young males aged 10 to 25. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. What theories have researchers proposed? More...
This Day in History

Sally Ride Returns to Earth (1983)

Before astronaut Sally Ride became the first American woman to reach outer space, she made a name for herself as a nationally-ranked tennis player. After earning her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from Stanford University, she took part in her first space shuttle mission in 1983, serving on board the Challenger. She later served on the panels that investigated the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters. What two women preceded Ride in space? More...
Today's Birthday

Ambrose Bierce (1842)

Author of humorous sketches, horror stories, and tales of the supernatural, Bierce was an American journalist, satirist, and short story writer. Among his best known works are the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and The Devil's Dictionary, a volume of ironic definitions that showcase his sardonic outlook. In 1913, Bierce traveled to Mexico for a firsthand perspective on its ongoing revolution and disappeared without a trace. What are some theories about how he died? More...
Quotation of the Day
When Pack meets with Pack in the Jungle, and neither will go from the trail,
Lie down till the leaders have spoken—it may be fair words shall prevail.

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Idiom of the Day

golden duck

In cricket, a batter's score of zero after being dismissed on the very first ball he or she faces. More...
Today's Holiday

Venezuela Battle of Carabobo Day (2023)

The Battle of Carabobo was fought in Venezuela on June 24, 1821, between the Spanish and the Venezuelan freedom fighters, led by Simón Bolívar. Their victory led to the independence of Venezuela. At the site of the battle is the Alley of Glory. It leads to the Triumphal Arch, which features two female figures representing peace and victory. The Battle of Carabobo Day is marked by a military parade in Carabobo. More...
Word Trivia

Today's topic: proportion

ad valorem - A type of customs duties, from Latin, meaning "in proportion to the value." More...

analogy - Comes from Greek analogia, "a proportion," such as 2/10 = 10/X, a way of calculating unknown quantities. More...

bonsai - Comes from Japanese words meaning "tray planting" and involves growing and pruning so that all parts of the plant—flowers, leaves, and stems—are in proportion. More...

reason - From Latin ratio, "thinking," and associated with the ideas of right order, proportion, or harmony. More...

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