Daily Content Archive
(as of Thursday, June 15, 2017)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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rebarbative
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Present Perfect TenseThe present perfect tense is formed by using a form of the auxiliary verb "have" along with the past participle of the "main" verb. If something is described using the present perfect, at what point in time did it happen? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Brocken SpecterA Brocken specter is an optical phenomenon sometimes seen at high altitudes, when the observer is between the sun and a mass of clouds. The figures of the observer and surrounding objects are seen projected on the clouds, greatly enlarged and often encircled by a colorful halo. The phenomenon, named after a peak in Germany's Harz Mountains where it is often observed, can be seen on misty mountainsides, in cloud banks, and even from airplanes. What causes these shadows to appear so magnified? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 King John of England Signs the Magna Carta (1215)The Magna Carta—Latin for "Great Charter"—was signed by King John under pressure from his barons. Resentful of high taxes and aware of the king's waning power, the barons demanded a solemn grant of their rights. Among the charter's provisions were clauses reforming law and controlling the behavior of royal officials. Though it reflects the feudal order rather than democracy, the Magna Carta is traditionally considered the foundation of British constitutionalism. How many times was it reissued? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Edward, the Black Prince (1330)The eldest son of King Edward III, Edward was the prince of Wales. Joining his father as a commander in the campaigns of the Hundred Years War, he established a reputation for valor. However, his rule as the prince of Aquitaine from 1362 to 1372 was a failure, and he returned sick and broken to England and formally surrendered his principality to his father. Though the heir apparent, he never became king, dying one year before his father. Edward was the first in England to be granted what title? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Often and often afterwards, the beloved Aunt would ask me why I had never told anyone how I was being treated. Children tell little more than animals, for what comes to them they accept as eternally established.Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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be in with (someone)— To be in close association with someone or some group. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Valdemar Day (2019)According to legend, Danish King Valdemar II set out to conquer the pagan Estonians and convert them to Christianity. During the night of June 15, 1219, the Estonians made a surprise attack on the Danish camp. A red banner with a white cross floated down from the sky, and the Danish archbishop heard a voice say that the Danes would win if they raised this banner. Schools, sports organizations, and Boy Scout troops in Denmark often hold pageants on June 15, in which they reenact the story of the Dannebrog (the Danish flag) and King Valdemar. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: rabbitsbuck teeth - Large front teeth protruding over the others; the phrase may come from buck, the adult male of some animals, such as rabbits—which have this type of front teeth. More... hightail it - Refers to animals, such as mustangs and rabbits, that raise their tails high when fleeing danger. More... trattles - The rounded droppings of animals like rabbits and sheep. More... angora - As in cat, goat, and rabbit, it comes from the Turkish capital Angora (till 1930), now Ankara. More... | |