Daily Content Archive
(as of Wednesday, September 29, 2021)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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innocuous
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Relative Pronouns as Objects of PrepositionsIn certain cases, relative pronouns can be used as objects of prepositions, meaning the relative pronoun works in conjunction with a preposition to modify the subject or verb of the relative clause. Only three relative pronouns can function as objects of prepositions. What are they? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 StupasStupas are dome-shaped monuments erected in memory of the Buddha or Buddhist saints, often marking a sacred spot, commemorating an event, or housing a relic. A simple stupa consists of a circular earthenware base supporting a solid dome topped with an umbrella that symbolizes protection. Originally, such mounds served as burial places for royalty. The tradition was appropriated by Buddhists, who worship by walking clockwise around the stupa. What well-known Asian structures evolved from stupas? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II Is Excommunicated (1227)Prior to being excommunicated the first of several times, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II had planned to go on a crusade. However, an epidemic waylaid him and a large part of his army, delaying the conquest. As a result, he was excommunicated by Pope Gregory IX. He eventually went on the postponed crusade and became king of Jerusalem. With Italy as the center of his power, Frederick, a religious skeptic, was in frequent conflict with the papacy. Frederick wrote the first book on what subject? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Gene Autry (1907)Probably the most successful "singing cowboy" in American film, Autry began performing on the radio during the 1920s in Oklahoma. He moved to Hollywood in the early 30s and went on to star in nearly 100 films, becoming America's top Western star from 1937 to 1943. He usually played a singing hero astride his famous horse, Champion. He wrote and recorded hundreds of songs, including his signature song, "Back in the Saddle Again." What well-known Christmas song was Autry's biggest hit? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Of course there must be lots of Magic in the world ... but people don't know what it is like or how to make it. Perhaps the beginning is just to say nice things are going to happen until you make them happen.Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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a spring in (one's) step— A happy, energetic, and excited mood or manner, as indicated by the carefree way one walks. More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Las Cantaderas (2025)The Fiesta de Las Cantaderas, held in the town of León, Spain, dates back to a time when parishes were required to contribute young girls as an annual tribute to the Moors. When the king of León finally freed the population of this burden, the girls sang and danced in the streets to celebrate. These days the cantaderas form a parade, starting at the town hall. They dance and sing their way down the street, directed by a woman called the sotadera. The girls bear fruit baskets or other offerings, which they later give to the bishop. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: melancholyelegiac - Can mean "melancholy, mournful." More... brown study - Gloomy meditation or melancholy is known as being in a brown study. More... hypochondria - First referred to the upper abdomen and the organs under the ribs (liver, gall bladder, spleen)—thought to be the source of melancholy. More... | |