Word of the Day for Tuesday, March 4, 2008

probity \PRO-buh-tee\, noun:

• Complete and confirmed integrity; uprightness.

Urban Word of the Day: expiration dating

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=expiration+dating&defid=1283740

• To start a relationship that has a defined end date; e.g., one of the people is moving soon.

"I hear you started dating some new girl."

"Yeah, but she's moving across the country in a month, so we're planning on breaking up."

"A little expiration dating, eh?"

Trivia

What famous American artist, as a young freelance illustrator, sketched circus performers for the National Police Gazette?

• Alexander Calder, in 1925. The work marked the beginning of his fascination with circus performers and animals.

Today in History

• US Constitution: went into effect; Congress met for the first time (1789)
• Green Mountain State: Vermont became the 14th state (1791)
• New Deal: economic recovery and social welfare plan was outlined by FDR during his inaugural address (1933)
• John Lennon: sparked controversy by saying that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus (1966)

Today's Birthdays

• Henry the Navigator (1394-1460): Portuguese prince who sponsored journeys of exploration
• Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741): baroque composer best known for The Four Seasons
• Charles Goren (1901-1991): authority on bridge who helped popularize the game
• Miriam Makeba (76): South African folk singer; among the many musicians born on this date are Bobby Womack (64), Emilio Estefan (55), Grand Puba (42) and Jason Marsalis (31)
• Patricia Heaton (50): actor, Everybody Loves Raymond, Back to You; other actors born on this date include Catherine O'Hara (54), Mykelti Williamson (51), Steven Weber (47) and Andrea Bowen (18)
• Chris Squire (60), bassist, long time member of YES, possible zombie