Daily Content Archive
(as of Sunday, February 12, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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decennary
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Forming the Past SimpleThe past simple tense is used to express completed actions. Why is it called the "past simple"? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Colloidal SilverColloidal silver is a mixture of silver particles and water that has antimicrobial properties. Formerly used on external wounds and burns to prevent infection, colloidal silver is cited by some alternative-health practitioners as a beneficial nutritional supplement and a powerful antibiotic that is relatively safe for human consumption. However, most members of the mainstream medical community warn users that it can lead to argyria, a rare but permanent condition that turns the skin what color? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 US President Bill Clinton Is Acquitted (1999)In January 1998, President Clinton was questioned in a civil suit charging him with sexual harassment. Before the Grand Jury, he denied having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which turned out to be untrue. The US House of Representatives impeached Clinton on December 19, 1998, charging him with perjury and obstruction of justice. In 1999, two impeachment counts were tried in the Senate, which voted to acquit Clinton. Who is the only other US President to have been impeached? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Charles Darwin (1809)Darwin was an English naturalist who developed the modern theory of evolution. Along with naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, he proposed the principle of natural selection: the mechanism by which advantageous variations are passed on to later generations and less advantageous traits slowly disappear. Darwin's intensely controversial theory of evolution aroused widespread argument and debate among scientists and religious leaders. How did Darwin view religion and God? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Man's desire for the approval of his fellows is so strong, his dread of their censure so violent, that he himself has brought his enemy within his gates; and it keeps watch over him, vigilant always in the interests of its master to crush any half-formed desire to break away from the herd.W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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barnburner— Any thing, event, or occasion that is especially exciting, impressive, and/or successful. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Amazon & Galapagos Day (2023)Two significant events happened in Ecuadoran history on the same date: the discovery of the Amazon River headwaters by explorer Francisco de Orellana in 1542 and the incorporation of the Galapagos Islands in 1832. The country established the Amazon & Galapagos Day holiday during the presidency of Jaime Roldós Aguilera. In observance of the anniversary, Ecuadoran presidents have visited the Amazon and paid homage to the expedition of 1542. Other activities include traditional dances, the presentation of folklore, and other cultural festivities. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: opportunityEl Dorado - A place offering fabulous wealth or opportunity (after the legendary place in South America, "the gilded one"). More... ease - First meant "opportunity, ability," or "means to do something." More... hint - First meant "an occasion or opportunity." More... occasion - Once had the specific sense of "an opportunity for finding fault or giving offense." More... | |