La Dolce Vita: This has got me all hot and bothered

Word of the Day

Play fungicide discuss
Definition:	(noun) A chemical substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
Synonyms:	antifungal, antimycotic
Usage:	Dr. Johnson prescribed a fungicide to treat her patient's athlete's foot.

Word of the Day provided by The Free Dictionary

Article of the Day

The Great Fire of Rome

According to the historian Tacitus, the Great Fire of Rome started in the shops around the Circus Maximus on July 18 in 64 CE and burned for 5 days. In his account, Tacitus writes that the fire completely destroyed 4 and severely damaged 7 of the 14 Roman districts. Both the size and cause of the fire are debated as well as Emperor Nero's response to the crisis. Some claim he sang or played music while the city burned, and many accused Nero of arson. Nero, in turn, blamed what religious group? More... Discuss

Article of the Day provided by The Free Dictionary

This Day in History

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt Forbids Hoarding of Gold (1933)

Executive Order 6102 required US citizens and businesses to turn in all but a small amount of gold to the Federal Reserve in exchange for $20.67 per ounce. It came in the midst of a banking crisis, when the stability of paper currency was in doubt. Consequently, many tried to withdraw their money and redeem it for gold, which was considered safer. However, there simply was not enough gold in the US—or the world—to cover the nation's debts. How many people were prosecuted for violating the order? More... Discuss

This Day in History provided by The Free Dictionary

Today's Birthday

Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (1908)

American screen legend and two-time Academy Award-winning actress Bette Davis made her Hollywood debut in 1931 and, after several flops, won acclaim for her role in 1934's Of Human Bondage. Her electrifying performances and intense characterizations of strong women made her a prime box-office attraction between 1935 and 1946, but her popularity declined thereafter. Undeterred, she launched a comeback and continued acting until shortly before her death. Why did she disinherit her daughter? More... Discuss

Today's Birthday provided by The Free Dictionary

Quote of the Day