Word of the Day for Sunday, June 1, 2008

harridan \HAIR-uh-din\, noun:

• A worn-out strumpet; a vixenish woman; a hag.

Chuck a Spaz

• It means to have a fit, whether it be epileptic or emotional. To forego rationality and opt for spasmodic movements, arms flailing, and utterances of an incoherent nature. Likewise, it is the behavior of people who get upset when they don't understand something.

Ignorant people will chuck a spaz when you pitch your latest theory on anti-matter and the black hold vortices.
OR
I need some heroin now and if you don't give it to me I'll chuck a spaz.

Trivia
What is the literal meaning of tiramisu, the delicious Italian dessert?

• Tirami su means “pick me up” in Italian. Using the phrase for the dessert no doubt was inspired by its two caffeine-laden ingredients, espresso and cocoa.

Today's History

• magnetic pole: was found in the North by James C. Ross (1831)
• Charles de Gaulle: became premier of France (1958)
• Natan Sharansky: Russian refusenik and dissident was charged with treason and espionage (1977)
• CNN: began 24-hour live news broadcasts (1980)

Today's Birthdays

• Brigham Young (1801-1877): early religious leader who brought the Mormons to Utah
• Andy Griffith (82): the actor with the homespun charm who starred in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock; actors Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), Morgan Freeman (71), René Auberjonois (68) and Jonathan Pryce (61) were also born on this date
• Tony Snow (53): former White House press secretary
• Alanis Morissette (34): singer, Jagged Little Pill; other singers born on this date include Pat Boone (74), Frederica von Stade (63) and Jason Donovan (40)
• Heidi Klum (35): supermodel, used up by Seal