Wednesday, February 25, 2009

openhanded \OH-puhn-HAN-did\, adjective:

1. giving freely; generous
2. done with an open hand

by 1593, open + handed
yellular

• The loudness one adopts in response to a bad cell-phone connection, in the misguided hope that talking louder will improve the connection.

"I'm so embarrassed. I went totally yellular at a restaurant last night.
Trivia

What does the mayor of Munich, Germany, traditionally dip into the city’s Fish Fountain (Fischbrunnen) every Ash Wednesday?

• A purse. According to local legend, plunging a wallet or purse into the fountain will enrich the city’s coffers in the coming year. Locals follow suit, hoping that their purses will also be replenished.

Today in History:

• Regnans in Excelsis: Pope Pius V excommunicated Elizabeth I of England in support of the Roman Catholic rebellion; it did not go well (1570)
• Hiram Rhoades Revels: became the first African-American senator, filling the unexpired term of Confederate States of America president Jefferson Davis (1870)
• hockey: was first televised; the Rangers beat the Canadiens 6-2 at Madison Square Garden (1940)

Today's Birthdays:

• Larry Gelbart (81): writer/producer for screen and stage, Tootsie, M*A*S*H; other writers born on this date, whose works were associated with theater and films, include Carlo Goldoni (1707-1793), Marcel Paul Pagnol (1895-1974), Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) and Neil Jordan (59)
• George Harrison (1943-2001): Beatles guitarist/songwriter; other musicians born on this date include Enrico Caruso (1873-1921), Myra Hess (1890-1965), Ralph Stanley (82), Daniel Powter (38) and Julio Iglesias Jr. (36)
• Rashida Jones (33): actor, The Office; other actors born today include Tom Courtenay (72), Diane Baker (71), Téa Leoni and Alexis Denisof (both 43), Lesley Boone (41), Sean Astin (38), and James and Oliver Phelps (23)

Quote:

• "Shall I tell you what I think are the two qualities of a work of art? First, it must be indescribable, and second, it must be inimitable." — Pierre-Auguste Renoir (2/25/1841 - 12/03/1919)