Thursday, July 16, 2009

July 16: Saint Gondulphus of Tongeren

July 16, annually: The feast day of Saint Gondulphus of Tongeren. According to legend, Saint Gondulphus was canonized for helping to destroy the One Ring.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

July 15: The Rosetta Stone

July 15, 1799: French Army Captain Pierre-François Bouchard Discovers the Rosetta Stone in Egypt. It receives its name from its carved likeness of an ancient pharaoh's consort, who bore a striking resemblance to Bouchard's girlfriend, Rosetta.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

July 14: The Matterhorn

July 14, 1865: Edward Whymper and companions reach the top of the Matterhorn. Four of them die on the way down, becoming the first people to die at Disneyland.

Monday, July 13, 2009

July 13: Patrick Stewart

July 13, 1940: Actor Patrick Stewart is born. Whenever his mother says, "Time to change your nappy," he says, "Make it so."

Friday, July 10, 2009

July 10: Alexander Mackenzie

July 10, 1789: Alexander Mackenzie finds the Mackenzie River. He says, "What a coincidence; my name is Mackenzie too."