Word of the Day for Tuesday, March 11, 2008

assuage \uh-SWAYJ\, verb:

1. To make milder or less severe; to reduce the intensity of; to ease; to relieve.
2. To appease; to satisfy.
3. To soothe or calm; to pacify.

Urban Word of the Day: cheers big ears

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cheers+big+ears&defid=2779847

• An [Australianism] associated with drinking: When you're about to take a drink, you say "cheers big ears". There are two usual responses: "same goes big nose," or "up your nose with a rubber hose."

(At the pub after raising your glass)

You - "Cheers big ears"

Me - "same goes big nose"

(Followed by a wink and a big long quenching gulp of your drink)

Trivia

What is the New York Stock Exchange symbol for Sotheby's Holdings?

• BID—quite fitting for an auction house.

Today in History

• Mikhail Gorbachev: was appointed the leader of the Soviet Union, despite being the youngest member of the politburo at the time (1985)
• Paul McCartney: was knighted by Queen Elizabeth (1997)
• Madrid bombings: 10 bombs exploded on the train system during rush hour, killing 191 (2004)

Today's Birthdays

• Frederick IX (1899-1972): Danish king who supported resistance against Germans in WWII; another world leader born on this date was Harold Wilson (1916-1995)
• Rupert Murdoch (77): media mogul, CEO of News Corp.
• Bobby McFerrin (58): a capella singer of "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
• Douglas Adams (1952-2001): sci-fi author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
• Terrence Howard (39): Oscar nominee for Hustle & Flow; other actors born on this date include Peter Berg (44), Wallace Langham (43), Thora Birch (26), and Johnny Knoxville (37)