Wednesday, February 27, 2013

This Date in History - February 27

Happy birthday, Joanne Woodward.   83 years young.  A phrase I never understand.  She's old.

425:  THE UNIVERSITY OF CONSTANTINOPLE IS FOUNDED BY EMPEROR THEODOSIUS.

Is Theodosius related to Supercalifragilisticexpiala?

1560:  THE TREATY OF BERWICK, WHICH WOULD EXPEL THE FRENCH FROM SCOTLAND, IS SIGNED.

Anything kicking the French out of anyplace is fine with me.

1594:  HENRY IV IS CROWNED KING OF FRANCE.

But, Henry, you can't go to Scotland.  Ha ha.

1776:  DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, THE BATTLE OF MOORE'S CREEK BRIDGE IN NORTH CAROLINA BREAKS UP A LOYALIST MILITIA.

There was a Tea Party back then, too.

1801:  WASHINGTON, DC IS PLACED UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE US CONGRESS.

They deserve each other.

1844:  THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GAINS INDEPENDENCE FROM HAITI.

Two more that deserve each other.

1860:  ABRAHAM LINCOLN MAKES A SPEECH AT COOPER UNION IN NEW YORK THAT IS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ELECTION TO THE PRESIDENCY.

And he didn't even offer free stuff to anybody who would vote for him.

1864:  DURING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, THE FIRST NORTHERN PRISONERS ARRIVE AT THE CONFEDERATE PRISON IN ANDERSONVILLE, GEORGIA.

Hence the famous Trials?

1870:  THE CURRENT FLAG OF JAPAN IS ADOPTED AS THE NATIONAL FLAG FOR JAPANESE SHIPS.

How do you say "duh" in Japanese?

1892:  ACTOR WILLIAM DEMAREST IS BORN.

Uncle Charley on "My Three Sons!"

1900:  THE BRITISH LABOUR PARTY IS FOUNDED.

Rhetorical question: why do the Brits always feel the need to add an extra "u" to certain words?  Discuss.

1902:  WRITER JOHN STEINBECK IS BORN.

Of Mice and Diapers.

1913:  WRITER IRWIN SHAW IS BORN.

Rich Baby, Poor Baby.

1917:  POLITICIAN JOHN CONNALLY IS BORN.

Duck!

1922:  A CHALLENGE TO THE 19TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION, ALLOWING WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE, IS REBUFFED BY THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES.

The Constitution....anybody remember that?

1930:  ACTRESS JOANNE WOODWARD IS BORN.

You know one thing.  Her house is never short of popcorn, salad dressing, and spaghetti sauce.

1932:  ACTRESS ELIZABETH TAYLOR IS BORN.

And immediately married the doctor who handled the birth.

1934:  ACTIVIST RALPH NADER IS BORN.

Crazy at Any Speed.

1939:  THE US SUPREME COURT RULES THAT SIT-DOWN STRIKES ARE ILLEGAL. 

So how come there were so many of them in the 60s???

1940:  ACTOR HOWARD HESSEMAN IS BORN.

Dr. Johnny Fever on "WKRP in Cincinnati!"

1951:  THE 22ND AMENDMENT TO THE US CONSTITUTION, LIMITING PRESIDENTS TO TWO TERMS, IS RATIFIED.

Why do I think this is going to fall apart in about four years?

1964:  THE GOVERNMENT OF ITALY ASKS FOR HELP TO KEEP THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA FROM TOPPLING OVER.

Meanwhile, this piece of ancient rock is still standing and the World Trade Towers, made of steel, could be knocked over.

1972:  ACTOR PAT BRADY DIES.

I wonder if Roy Rogers had him stuffed, too.

1980:  ACTOR GEORGE TOBIAS DIES.

Abner!!!!

1985:  POLITICIAN HENRY CABOT LODGE DIES.

Lodge no longer offering vacancies.

1986:  HOCKEY STAR JACQUES PLANTE DIES.

And he's in the ground.

1986:  THE UNITED STATES SENATE ALLOWS ITS DEBATES TO BE TELEVISED ON A TRIAL BASIS.

If it was mud wrestling, I would tune in.

1993:  ACTRESS LILLIAN GISH DIES.

At the age of 100.  Please don't tell me this was untimely.

2003:  KIDDIE HOST FRED ROGERS DIES.

You won't be needing that sweater any more.

2004:  THE JOHN JAY REPORT, WITH DETAILS ABOUT THE CATHOLIC SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL IN THE US, IS RELEASED.

What???  Priests???  Are you kidding me????

2008:  AUTHOR WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY DIES.

Several months before Barack Obama was elected.   Which would have killed him anyway.

2011:  BASEBALL STAR DUKE SNIDER DIES.

No longer in center field.  Now he's under it.

Dinner last night:  Roast chicken dinner at the home of good friend Sue.

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