Daily Content Archive
(as of Saturday, March 2, 2019)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Present Simple TenseThe present simple tense (also called the simple present tense) is used when we speak about habits, general facts, and timetables. Why is it called the present "simple"? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Nicolas FlamelReportedly born around 1330, Flamel was a French scrivener and manuscript-seller whose supposed success with alchemy immortalized his name. His story has captured the imaginations of many, and he is mentioned in a number of literary works. In fact, his life is now so intertwined with legend that some historians doubt he ever existed. He is said to have created the philosopher's stone—a mythical substance that can convert base metal to gold and confer immortality—by translating what ancient text? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Battle of the Bismarck Sea Begins (1943)This battle was an unparalleled victory for Allied air power in WWII. During the engagement, Allied planes attacked and nearly obliterated a Japanese convoy transporting thousands of troops to New Guinea. The Japanese loss of critical reinforcements and supplies changed the course of the Pacific War. The Allies were later criticized for strafing Japanese survivors, reportedly in retaliation for Japanese actions earlier in the battle. What new bombing technique did the Allies use in the battle? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Samuel Houston (1793)Houston was an American statesman whose political future was seemingly derailed after his wife left him in 1829. He resigned the governorship of Tennessee, began drinking heavily, and went to live with the Cherokee. Later, he joined the Texas Revolution and became commander of the revolutionary forces. He led them to victory and was elected president of the new Republic of Texas. After Texas joined the US, he served the state first as a senator and then as governor. What were his last words? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 I have come to have the firm conviction that vanity is the basis of everything, and finally that what one calls conscience is only inner vanity.Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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be hard hit (by something)— To be adversely affected (by something) to a great degree; to suffer financial losses (as the result of something). More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Ethiopia Victory of Adwa Commemoration Day (2020)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: stealembezzle - Originally, it simply meant "steal." More... purloin - Meaning to steal, it is from Latin pur/pro, "forth," and loign, "far." More... scrounge - First meant to live off or sponge off someone else; it is a variant of scrunge, "steal." More... snoop - From Dutch snoepen, "eat on the sly," it first meant "steal and eat in a clandestine manner." More... | |