January 9, 2009

eclectic \i-KLEK-tik\, adjective:

1. selecting and using what seems best from various sources or systems; made up of selections from various sources
2. broad in acceptance of ideas or approval from other sources

by 1683, from French eclectique, from Greek eklektikos "selective," literally "picking out," from eklektos "selected," from eklegein "pick out, select," from ek "out" + legein "gather, choose." Originally a group of ancient philosophers who selected doctrines from every system; broader sense is first recorded 1814.

NSFL

• Not Safe For Life. Goes a step beyond NSFW, because it doesn't matter where you view the material; you will be scarred.

Why did I click on goatse? That shit is NSFL

Trivia

When it comes to Internet shorthand, what do the letters IMHO represent?

• In My Humble Opinion.

Today in History:

• daguerreotype: L. J. M. Daguerre announced the first practical photographic process to the French Academy of Sciences (1839)
• autogiro: aeronautical engineer Juan de la Cierva made the first successful flight in the helicopter-like aircraft he had invented, in Madrid (1923)
• Martyr's Day of Panama: the tearing of a Panamanian flag during protests regarding US sovereignty over the Panama Canal Zone led to several days of deadly fighting (1964)

Today's Birthdays:

• Richard Nixon (1913-1994): 37th POTUS, who was forced to resign because of the Watergate scandal
• Judith Krantz (81): pop novelist; other authors born on this date include Hayyim Nahman Bialik (1873-1934), Karel Čapek (1890-1938) and Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)
• Bob Denver (1935-2005): actor, Gilligan's Island; Lee Van Cleef (1925-1989), Susannah York (67), J.K. Simmons (54) and Joely Richardson (44)
• Joan Baez (68): folk rock singer; other singers born today include Crystal Gayle (58), Steve Harwell and Dave Matthews (both 42) and A.J. Mclean (31)
• Jimmy Page (65): lead guitarist, Led Zeppelin; other guitarists born today: Eric Erlandson (46) and Carl Bell (42)