Saturday, December 4, 2010

scurf \SKURF\, noun:

1. The scales or small shreds of epidermis that are continually exfoliated from the skin.

2. Any scaly matter or incrustation on a surface.

Scurf derives from the ancient Germanic root skurfa, "crust."

Fart Enthusiast

• an individual who is highly amused by anything associated with flatuation.

LuAnn was such a fart enthusiast that, upon the mention of a fart, she doubles over with laughter.

Trivia

When it comes to stainless steel, what do the numerals 18/8 represent?

• 18 percent chromium, 8 percent nickel.

History

• Chicago: was founded with a mission established by French priest Jacques Marquette on the shore of Lake Michigan (1674)
• suttee: the Hindu practice of a widow's self-immolation on her husband's funeral pyre was outlawed by the British in India (1829)
• Mary Celeste: the ship was discovered heading toward the Strait of Gibraltar, sound if somewhat wet, but all its crew and passengers were missing and have never been found (1872)
• The Los Angeles Times: began publication; it is now the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in the US (1881)

Birthdays

• Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881): philosopher and historian
• Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944): abstract painter
• Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926): poet
• Francisco Franco (1892-1975): Spanish general and leader
• Jeff Bridges (61): Oscar-winner for Crazy Heart; also, actors Deanna Durbin (89), Gemma Jones (68), Patricia Wettig (59), Tony Todd (56), Marisa Tomei (46), Fred Armisen (44) and Kevin Sussman (40)
• Jay-Z (41): rapper, producer; other musicians born on this date include Bob Mosley (68), Chris Hillman (66), Dennis Wilson (1944-1983), Gary Rossington (59) and Cassandra Wilson (55)
• Tyra Banks (37): supermodel, host of The Tyra Banks Show