Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, March 2, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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brachypterous
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Relative ClausesLike relative pronouns, relative adverbs can introduce a restrictive relative clause, or a non-restrictive relative clause. Non-restrictive clauses simply give us additional information that is not essential to the sentence. What do restrictive relative clauses do? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Freeze-DryingFreeze-drying is a dehydration process typically used to preserve perishable material or make it more convenient to transport. The process involves freezing a substance, reducing the surrounding pressure, and adding enough heat to allow the frozen water in the material to sublimate, or change directly from the solid to gas state. Properly sealed freeze-dried substances can be stored at room temperature for years without spoiling. How is freeze-drying often used by pharmaceutical companies? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Tilden Wins Popular Vote, Loses US Presidential Election (1877)One of the most disputed presidential elections in American history was decided by a single electoral vote, which was likely awarded in an informal deal behind closed doors. Democratic candidate Samuel J. Tilden not only won the popular vote in the 1876 election, but secured 184 electoral votes to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes's 165—until a bitter, months-long political battle ended with Hayes being awarded 20 contested votes. What did the Democrats gain in the so-called Compromise of 1877? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Moe Berg (1902)Once known as "the brainiest man in baseball," Berg was a professional athlete who became a professional spy. Though he played for several teams over a span of 15 seasons, he never distinguished himself on the field or at bat. He did, however, speak seven languages, and obtained degrees in languages and law from Princeton and Columbia. At one point in his espionage career, the former backup shortstop and catcher was tasked with helping to determine whether or not to assassinate whom? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Habit, n.: A shackle for the free.Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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lay the groundwork (for something)— To create or prepare the basics or essential foundation (for something); to pave the way (for something). More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Ethiopia Victory of Adwa Commemoration Day (2021)Ethiopia is an African country that successfully shook off European domination for centuries. One pivotal moment of resistance was the Ethiopian army's historic victory, led by Emperor Menelik II, over invading Italian troops in the Battle of Adwa, a two-day battle that ended on March 2. Festivities take place on its anniversary throughout the country, with official ceremonies in the capital, Addis Ababa, and Adwa, the market town located near the battle site. People will also leave wreaths at the Menelik Monument, which commemorates the victory led by the Ethiopian emperor. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: instructioncatechism, catechumen - Catechism comes from Latin catechismus, "instruction by word of mouth," and is literally a series of questions and answers; a catechumen is a young Christian preparing for confirmation. More... disciple, discipline - Disciple comes from a Latin word meaning "learner" and discipline comes from one meaning "instruction, knowledge." More... document - First meant "instruction" or "evidence," whether written or not. More... lore - Originally meant "the act of teaching" or a "piece of instruction, lesson." More... | |