Daily Content Archive
(as of Friday, August 31, 2018)| Word of the Day | |||
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Factitive Verbs vs. Linking VerbsLinking verbs and factitive verbs both tie a subject to another part of speech that provides more information about it. How do linking verbs differ from factitive verbs? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 ProbioticsPut simply, probiotics are harmless bacteria that help protect the human body from harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacterial cultures are intended to help the body reestablish its naturally occurring gut flora—microorganisms that normally live in the digestive tract. One of the most common types of microbes used is lactic acid bacteria, which actively convert lactose into lactic acid and may help individuals with what conditions? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Thomas Edison Patents Kinetoscope in the US (1897)Developed by Edison's assistant, W.K.L. Dickson, the kinetoscope was a precursor to the modern motion-picture projector. It works through a phenomenon known as "persistence of vision," in which a sequence of images creates the illusion of motion. Initially, Edison hoped to synchronize the images with sound, but he was unable to achieve this. The kinetoscope was designed to be viewed by one person at a time. Why did Edison supposedly balk at the idea of projecting films before larger audiences? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Commodus (161 CE)The son of Marcus Aurelius, Commodus was a Roman emperor who ruled from 180 to 192 CE—a period some historians consider the beginning of the empire's decline. Though his reign was fairly peaceful, Commodus was a tyrant who spent lavishly on gladiatorial combats, persecuted the Senate, and tried to rename Rome after himself. He fancied himself a gladiator, frequently killing exotic animals. His mistress and advisors had him strangled. He considered himself the reincarnation of what mythical hero? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part ... If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure.James Madison (1751-1836) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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rip-snorting mad— Extremely angry and agitated; infuriated. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day (2023)After being subjected to British rule since 1802, Trinidad and Tobago became an independent commonwealth state on this day in 1962. This national holiday is celebrated amid a Carnival atmosphere, with an elaborate military parade accompanied by calypsos at the Queen's Park Savannah. Religious services are varied to accommodate the Yoruba Orisha, Hindu, Muslim, Baptist, and other faiths represented in the citizenry. Later in the day, awards are presented at the National Awards Ceremony to those who have notably served their country. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: vaultcoping saw - A saw with a very narrow blade stretched across a u-shaped frame—for cutting curves, with cope meaning "vault, arch." More... ossuary - From Latin os, "bone," it is any receptacle—urn, vault, etc.—for the bones of the dead. More... camera - First meant "vault, chamber." More... firmament - Means "vault of the sky," as a fixed structure. More... | |