Daily Content Archive
(as of Tuesday, August 24, 2021)| Word of the Day | |||||||
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cacophonous
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| Daily Grammar Lesson | |
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Common Modifier MistakesIf we place a modifier too far away from the thing it describes, it can become a "misplaced modifier." We must also make sure that the thing being modified is explicitly stated in the text, otherwise we might be left with a "dangling modifier." What is a "squinting modifier"? More... | |
| Article of the Day | |
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 Czech HedgehogsEarly in World War II, Germany relied heavily on the great striking power of its fast-moving tank formations. To defend against the threat, the Czechs lined their borders with large iron obstacles shaped like toy jacks. Though not immovable, they cause tanks to get stuck after driving over them. While the Nazis went on to annex Czech territory in the Sudetenland, these obstacles, known as "Czech hedgehogs," caught on with other combatants and were later employed in what famous battle? More... | |
| This Day in History | |
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 Pete Rose Is Banned from Baseball (1989)During his 24-year baseball career, Rose played in more games and got more hits than any player in history. Even so, the onetime Most Valuable Player could not avoid a lifetime ban from the sport after being accused of betting on baseball games—including those of his own team. In return for not having the charges formally proven, Rose accepted the banishment, which rendered him ineligible for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. However, he later spent five months in federal prison—for what? More... | |
| Today's Birthday | |
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 Siaka Stevens (1905)Almost immediately after being sworn in as prime minister of Sierra Leone in 1967, Stevens was overthrown in a coup. He was recalled from exile after another coup 13 months later. In 1971, he became the first president of Sierra Leone, and during his tenure he made Sierra Leone a single-party state. His administration was plagued by corruption and economic mismanagement, and despite economic and civil turmoil, he remained in office until his peaceful retirement in 1985. Who succeeded him? More... | |
| Quotation of the Day | |
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 Life altogether is but a crumbling ruin when we turn to look behind.Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927) | |
| Idiom of the Day | |
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go to wrack and ruin— To fall into severe or total decay, degradation, or ruination, as from disuse or lack of upkeep. ("Wrack," a now-archaic word meaning wreckage or destruction, is also often spelled "rack.") More... | |
| Today's Holiday | |
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 Liberia Flag Day (2025)The Liberian flag bears a striking resemblance to the American flag, a reminder of the historical ties between this West African country and the United States. Eleven horizontal stripes represent the signers of the Liberian Declaration of Independence, while the single white star signifies Liberia's former position as the sole free black state in Africa. Flag Day, a patriotic day paying homage to Liberia's national emblem, is an official public holiday. Citizens and public buildings display their flags, and parades often feature schoolchildren and military units. More... | |
| Word Trivia | |
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Today's topic: torment | |