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Thursday, May 16, 2024 | View Archive ?
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Word of the Day

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formicary

Definition: (noun) A nest of ants.
Synonyms:anthill
Usage:Hours after accidentally stepping on a formicary, she was still picking stray ants off of her jeans. Discuss. Play

Daily Grammar Lesson

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The Modal Verbs

A modal auxiliary verb is used to change the meaning of other verbs (commonly known as main verbs) by expressing modality—that is, asserting (or denying) possibility, likelihood, ability, permission, obligation, or future intention. What are the nine "true" modal auxiliary verbs? More... Discuss

Article of the Day

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Trepanation

The practice of drilling a hole into the skull to expose the dura mater surrounding the brain is an ancient surgical procedure dating back to prehistoric times. It is the oldest surgical procedure for which evidence (in the form of human remains) has been discovered. Modern physicians continue to perform trepanations, though the medical rationale surrounding the surgery has since evolved. Which artist gained notoriety for performing a self-trepanation and then screening a film of the procedure? More... Discuss

This Day in History

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16 May 1877 Crisis (1877)

On May 16, 1877—le Seize Mai—French Republic president Marie MacMahon, a monarchist, attempted to rescue the monarchical cause by dismissing the republican prime minister and replacing him with a monarchist leader and cabinet. When the Chamber of Deputies rejected the new government, MacMahon dissolved parliament and ordered new elections, precipitating a crisis. His efforts spectacularly backfired, however, when the republicans triumphantly returned to government through what means? More... Discuss

Today's Birthday

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Wladziu Valentino Liberace (1919)

Liberace began playing piano at the age of 4, and by 16, he had appeared as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He soon began giving concerts in flamboyant costumes with ornate pianos, and though he occasionally performed with symphony orchestras, he built his career primarily upon popular music. Hugely successful, he hosted a television variety series, and, in later years, performed frequently in Las Vegas. During what decades was he said to be the world's highest paid entertainer? More... Discuss

Quotation of the Day

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What is a woman? I assure you, I do not know...I do not believe that anybody can know until she has expressed herself in all the arts and professions open to human skill.

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) Discuss

Mismatch
Select word:
fancy
outer
inner
artful
immutable
plain
sensory
changeable
ingenuous
paranormal

Match each word in the left column with its antonym (opposite) on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!

 

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Hangman

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Grammar Quiz

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Identify the auxiliary verb in the following sentence:
“I have to tell you that you are being ridiculous.”

Spelling Bee
Difficulty level:
tr.v. To ornament or dress in a showy or gaudy manner
Spell the word:

Match Up

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Select word:
glutton
bandit
brigand
diminution
malodor
gourmand
go-between
stench
step-down
intercessor

Match each word in the left column with its synonym on the right. When finished, click Answer to see the results. Good luck!

 

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Today's Holiday

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Florence Musical May (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino)

The Florence May Festival was first held in 1933, and it wasn't long before it had established itself as one of the most important international festivals in Italy. It offers chamber and symphonic music, ballet, and dance, and is recognized as a pioneer in its efforts to revive rare foreign and Italian operas. Most of the larger events are held in the Teatro della Pergola or the more modern Teatro Comunale, home of the festival's resident opera company. The festival regularly commissions new opera and dance productions. More... Discuss

Horoscope

Idiom of the Day

the granddaddy of them all

— The biggest, oldest, most impressive, or most respected person or thing of his, her, or its kind. More... Discuss