Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, March 24, 2020)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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stalking-horse
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Vertical ListsWhile using numbers or letters can help to better organize a list, it can also result in rather long, clunky sentences. In many cases where numbers or letters are necessary, writers often prefer to structure their lists "vertically." What does that mean? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Airship Pioneer David SchwarzThough most people associate the invention of the dirigible with German inventor Ferdinand von Zeppelin, it was Schwarz, a Croatian wood merchant, who designed the first rigid airship. His first model collapsed upon inflation, but in 1897, his second prototype flew briefly. Its frame was built of aluminum, a relatively new material at that time. Sadly, Schwarz never saw his creation airborne—he died before its maiden flight. Why do some believe that Zeppelin's design was based on Schwarz's work? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (1989)On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker hit Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef and spilled approximately 11 million US gallons (41 million liters) of crude oil into the sea, covering 11,000 square miles (28,000 km²) of ocean. As a result of the spill, an estimated 250,000 sea birds, 1,000 sea otters, and countless fish and other wildlife died. The ship's captain was widely criticized after the incident, but many others factors contributed to the crash. What are some examples? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Harry Houdini (1874)Born Erik Weisz, Houdini was an American magician, escape artist, and silent film star famed for his escapes from bonds of every sort—locks, handcuffs, straitjackets, and underwater chests. One of his most notable non-escape illusions was performed in 1918, when he had an elephant vanish onstage. In his later years, he campaigned against magicians and mind readers who claimed supernatural powers and even took aim at Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, from whom he derived his name. How did Houdini die? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Man sheds his grief as his skin sheds rain.Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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date with destiny— A future event, circumstance, or situation that will or could prove to be of momentous significance or importance. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Argentina National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice (2023)This is a public holiday in Argentina that commemorates all those who lost their lives or otherwise suffered under the National Reorganization Process, a military dictatorship that seized power in Argentina on March 24, 1976. The junta held power for eight years, and in that time, at least 30,000 citizens were kidnapped, tortured, and executed for their political views. Around the country, art exhibitions, poetry readings, prayer services, and other cultural events are dedicated to remembering the events of March 24 and its aftermath. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: trafficfilter lane - The lane of traffic reserved for those making a specific turn at the next junction. More... reverse commute - To travel to work opposite of the normal rush of traffic. More... traffic calming - The deliberate slowing of traffic in residential areas, with speed bumps or other obstructions. More... traffic - Can only be traced to Italian traffico and trafficare, "trade," but that is all that is known. More... | |