December 31, 2008

ultimate \UHL-tuh-mit\, adjective, noun:

1. last possible, final; coming at the end
2. an ultimate point, result, fact, or other extreme condition
3. pertaining to an extremity; beyond which there is nothing or nothing greater
4. fundamental; basic; original

by 1654, from Late Latin ultimatus, from ultimare "to be final, come to an end," from ultimus "last, final," superlative of ulter "beyond."

new year's eve

• The one night of the year when getting drunk and making a fool of yourself is not optional, but in fact mandatory.

Sara displayed her exemplary discretion by making out with a mere 15 guys at the frat party on new year's eve.

Trivia

What city has the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the world,attracting more than two million people?

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Have a Happy!

Today in History:

• light bulb: was first demonstrated by inventor Thomas Edison, in Menlo Park, New Jersey (1879)
• Times Square: Waterford crystal ball dropped for the first time in celebration of New Year's Eve (1907)
• farthing: British coin in use since the 13th century ceased to be legal tender (1960)
• Panama Canal: waterway that connects the Caribbean with the Pacific was handed over to Panama by the US in accordance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties (1999)

Today's Birthdays:

• Henri Matisse (1869-1954): French painter, leading Fauvist
• Simon Wiesenthal (1908-2005): Nazi hunter
• Ben Kingsley (65): Oscar-winning actor, Gandhi; also, actors Anthony Hopkins (71), Tim Considine (68), Sarah Miles (67), Tim Matheson (61), Joe Dallesandro (60), James Remar (55), Bebe Neuwirth (50), Val Kilmer (49), Don Diamont (46) and Gong Li (43)