Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 21st August

 

Today’s births paragraph begins with King of Portugal and the Algarves – Afonso VI found himself victorious in birth back in 1643. William Murdoch, (the person responsible for bringing gas lighting to Britain) coincidentally started contributing to the gas supply in 1754. King of Great Britain and Ireland (with Hanover tacked on for good measure), William IV sailed through in 1765. Respected big band leader William James ‘Count’ Basie arrived on cue in 1904. Unsung hero in the cartoon world, (responsible for some of the biggest cartoon characters for Warner Bros), Isadore ‘Friz’ Freleng was quite animated in 1906. Son of Winnie the Pooh writer A.A. Milne, Christopher Robin Milne joined the party in 1920. Queen Liz’s younger sis who liked to puff on a few ciggies a day, Princess Margaret started playing second fiddle to the future queen from 1930. Film critic Barry Lesley Norman came out of the dark in 1933. Gangly ex-Scottish Labour MP and First Minister of Scotland, (who, it has to be said, was better than ‘King Alex’), Donald Campbell Dewar had no opposition being born in 1937. Sash/chain wearing President of Ecuador Gustavo José Joaquín Noboa Bejarano made it out the right way in 1937. Country singer who’s managed to shift 165 million records, (apparently), (though no figures are available as to how many ended up in charity shops), and celebrity chicken burger flipper, Kenneth Ray ‘Kenny’ Rogers started seeing in the dark in 1938. Third President of Botswana Festus Gontebanye Mogae had as much hair back in 1939 as he seems to have today. Songwriter responsible for ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Robert Rimato or as he became known Robert Hazard found boys can have a bit of fun too from 1948. John Graham Mellor, who goes by the slightly edgier name of Joe Strummer found the answer to his conundrum of, ‘Should I stay or should I go’ in 1952. New York born physic – Chip Coffey knew he was entering the world in 1954, but probably doesn’t know about his mention here. Known for her role in Sex in the City, marriage fan Kim Victoria Cattrall was dead on target in 1956. Singer with family band Sister Sledge – has been saying, ‘Thank you for the party’ this day since 1957. Creator of cartoon character Sponge Bob Square Pants, (among many other varied and diverse things he’s done), Stephen McDannell Hillenberg hopefully had the usual nappies, (or diapers), rather than square pants when born in 1961. Controversial King of Morocco Mohammad VI haggled his way through in 1963. Cartoonist and ex-editor of Charlie Hebdo – Stéphane Charbonnier didn’t upset anyone when born in 1967. Co-founder of electronic band The Prodigy, Liam Paris Howlett wasn’t a baby with a temper from 1971. Computer whizz who helped set up data gathering behemoth that is Google, Sergey Mikhaylovich Brin searched all the possibilities in 1973. Chef/singer Kelis Rogers was young, fresh n’ new in 1979. Eight (or is it nine?) time Olympic gold medalist, Jamaican jogger Usain Bolt was out of the starting blocks in 1980.

As for deaths, it’s another fairly quiet day and we begin with Lev Davidovich Bronstein or top red flag waver Leon Trotsky who took the revolutionary step of having an ice pick in his head back in 1940. Another member of super car manufacturing family – Ettore Arco Isidoro Bugatti came to the end of his particular avenue in 1947. Dead Norwegian of the day, meteorologist Harald Ulrik Sverdrup stormed off in 1957.
Chair designer Charles Ormond Eames Jr., actually got to lie down in 1978. Founding member of the Irish National Liberation Army, Michael James ‘Mickey’ Devine was a bit hungry when he expired in 1981. Sleight of hand hand expert, Canadian magician David Frederick Wingfield Verner or Dai Vernon disappeared in a puff of smoke in 1992. All the Coulrophobics out there will be pleased to hear Yuri Vladimirovich Nikulin stopped clowning around in 1997. Inventor of the Moog synthesizer Robert Albert ‘Bob’ Moog made some odd noises when he expired in 2005. Also not making it through that year, mountaineer with the rather unfortunate surname – Marcus Schmuck entered his last bivvy bag. Scandal ridden Minister-President of the Walloon Region in Belgium, Guy Gustave Arthur Ghislain Spitaels stepped down in 2012. Finally, Albert Reynolds – ninth Taoiseach of Ireland progressed to the graveyard in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 20th August

 

Having mentioned (only yesterday), impeached President of the United States who liked to give a mouthful, today’s births paragraph begins with 23rd holder of the same title, Benjamin Harrison voted with his feet as to when he’d celebrate his birthday from 1833. Keeping with the political theme, three time Prime Minister and one time President of France – Raymond Poincaré joined his own party this day every year from 1860. Norwegian of the day goes to Tarjei Vesaas who started his first chapter in 1897. Original voice of Fed Flintstone, born Herbert Theodore Bergman but known as Alan Reed, had his parents announce his arrival in 1907. Popular country singer, (is there such thing?), James Travis ‘Jim’ Reeves worked his way up through the years from 1923. Sit-com actress from the 1970’s with the rather apt first name Yootha (Aboriginal for thirsty), Joyce Needham who dropped her surname, made all the right noises in 1927. Known for his frizzy white hair and by boxers for defrauding them, Donald ‘Don’ King went the distance in 1931. Comedian, (used in the broadest sense of the word) and host of second rate gameshow Bullseye, Peter Williams or Jim Bowen as he’s also known, bounced out in 1937. Fourteenth President of the Presidency of the Socialist Republic of Serbia followed by making it to being First President of Serbia then Third President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before going onto be a prisoner at The Hague, Slobodan Milošević made his presence known in 1941. Alśo born that year, singer/songwriter and founding member of Hawkwind – David Anthony ‘Dave’ Brock was in search of space. Another person to get their second mention, this one only ten days ago when he was shafted for the final time in 2008, Isaac Hayes presented himself in 1942. Seventh incarnation of Dr Who, Percy James Patrick Kent-Smith or Sylvester McCoy slumbered after his birth in 1943. Son who carried on from where his mum left off, (before going the same way), sixth Prime Minister of India Rajiv Ratna Ghandi got his sandals in 1944. Founding member/leader of electronic band Kraftwerk Ralf Hütter saw the neon lights in hospital back in 1946. Straggly haired rocker from the 1970’s still giving it his all, Robert Anthony Plant had a whole lotta love bestowed upon him in 1948. Singer with the Afro hairdo, fan of the leather glove (and illegal substances), not to mention being Leslie Crowther’s son in law, Philip Parris ‘Phil’ Lynott didn’t have to wait for an alibi in 1949. Fifth President of Egypt, (the first to be democratically elected only then to be overthrown and now languishing in prison), Mohamed Morsi made himself known for the first time in 1951. Weather forecaster who may possibly be better at pointing at maps whilst giving vague details on NBC’s Today Show, Albert Lincoln ‘Al’ Roker got one thing right, his birthday, in 1954. Squeaky voiced ‘comedian’ Joesph Elliott Pasquale started out in 1961. Ex-Reigate schoolboy who’s gone on to bigger and better things, (discounting Britain’s Got Talent), David Edward Williams/Walliams was Master Stink in 1971. Also born that year is lead singer with Limp Bizkit, William Frederick ‘Fred’ Durst started to take a look around. Diminutive piano player whilst covering another person’s song and somehow getting a contract, (albeit a record one), Jamie Cullum took the whole step in 1979.

As for deaths, there’s nearly as many Popes to mention as the other day, and to this end we start with Pope John XIV who started having people dropping lira in a box and lighting a candle for him from 984. Next up is Pope Pius VII who stopped wearing his velvet slippers and chunky ring from 1823. Having given timbrel player and founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, a nod on the 10th April when he was delivered to the world, here he is again given he was ‘promoted to glory’ in 1912. Pope Pius X ducked out of the First World War by passing on in 1914. Having dined out on her story of being the only female with a speaking part in epic film Zulu, Ulla Jacobsson gave up talking, and breathing, in 1982. ‘The Queen of Mean’ and convicted tax dodger Leona Mindy Roberts Helmsley found she legally didn’t have to pay income tax from 2007. Dominic ‘Dom’ Mintoff, eighth Prime Minister of Malta wasn’t cross at dying in 2012. Also not making it through that year, Prime Minister of Ethopia Meles Zenawi Asres found the climate changed for him. Finally, founder of style of yoga bearing his name, Bellur Krishnamacher Sundararaja Iyengar fully relaxed in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 19th August

 

People who have/will be eating a piece of birthday cake today, include, among others, Salamone Rossi, (distant relative of Status Quo guitarist Francis), who could play more than three chords on his violin and was plucked out in 1570. First Astronomer Royal, (which had to be an easy gig, pointing at white things in the sky and making names up), early version of Patrick Moore, (minus the monocle and Simon Cowell waisted trousers), John Flamsteed emerged without an eclipse in 1646. Given his older brother, Wilbur, got a mention on 16th April when he entered the world, today we celebrate the liftoff of his brother Orville Wright in 1871. Second President of the Philippines Manuel Luis Quezón de Molina tagged along in 1878. Ninth President of Portugal José Mendes Cabeçadas Júnior wasn’t a revolting child in 1883. Also born that year, fashion designer and perfume developer Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel wafted into life. Known for banging the skins with 1970’s supergroup Cream, Peter Edward ‘Ginger’ Baker got out of the groove in 1939. Non-Jamaican reggae singer John Lester ‘Johnny’ Nash Jr., could see clearly from now in 1940. One time lanky haired rocker who still has a few follicles, Ian Gillan wondered, ‘Now What?!’ in 1945. 42nd President of the United States of America, and only the second to be impeached, William Jefferson Blythe III or William Jefferson ‘Bill’ Clinton has been unable to lie about his birthdate in 1946. Ex-Royal journo on the BBC now found hosting Cash in the Attic, Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Bond was a little treasure in 1950. Quiet member of rock band Queen, John Richard Deacon succeeded in wanting to break free in 1951. Slightly more forthcoming rock star, Rolf Magnus Joakim Larsson, or to give him his slightly hipper stage name, Joey Tempest had the final countdown to his birth in 1963. Country singer Lee Ann Womack’s mum said, ‘Never again, again’ after her birth in 1966. Star of canned laughter and un-amusing but somehow popular sit-com – Matthew Langford Perry found his first friends in 1969. Living Norwegian of the day, born in a small town called Kristiansand Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby was a princess to her parents in 1973 before graduating to Crown Princess of all Norway after getting hitched to Prince Hakkon. Star of sit-com The Inbetweeners, Simon Bird didn’t chicken out of being born in 1984.

Death wise, thankfully there aren’t any Popes today but we do start in 14AD when the person this month is named after, Augustus, decided to turn his toes up. Chemist who discovered nickel and scheelite (or tungsten) – Axel Fredrik Cronstedt became a full time mining expert given he’s been underground since 1765. Old West outlaw and controversial folk icon, John Wesley Hardin bit the bullet in 1895. Prime Minister of Greece Stephanos Skouloudis withdrew in 1928. I’m sure Scottish character act tor Alastair Sim was quite relieved not to have to dress up in women’s clothing again after 1976. Voice of Jeff Tracey in Thunderbirds, Peter Dyneley should have dialled 999 in 1977. Also not making it through that year, iconic wit with the moustache, glasses and cigar who starred in numerous films with his bothers, Julius Henry ‘Groucho’ Marks decided to go west. Having mentioned dignified Holocaust survivor and father to both Anne and Margot on 12th May in honour of his birthday, Otto Frank passed away in 1980. Creator of American current affairs programme 60 minutes, (as it sounds better than An Hour), Donald Shepard ‘Don’ Hewitt had his last 15 minutes of fame in 2009. Dead Norwegian of the day, Ivar Iversen had his dead reckoning in 2012. Also dying that year, younger bro to Ridley, film director Anthony David Leighton Scott obviously wasn’t unstoppable. Finally, eighth President of Afghanistan Abdul Rahim Hatef shuffled off to the Netherlands in 2013.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 18th August

 

We see today’s births paragraph start with British Prime Minister John Russell (the one with the rather large mutton chops on his cheeks), found he gained his liberty in 1792. Keeping with the hairy faces, Franz Joseph I – Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Croatia as well as being King of Bohemia, annexed from his mum in 1830. Founder of Chicago department store bearing his name, Marshall Field began his life cycle in 1834. Named Francis Factor before going onto be known as Max Factor Jr., his parents were made up in 1904. Caspar Willard ‘Cap’ Weinberger holder of various titles throughout the Republicans time in office found he didn’t have to defend his birthdate from 1917. Actress Shirley Schrift or Shelly Winters entered laughing in 1920. Convicted sex pest, film director and French/Polish resident Roman Polanski must have been quite frantic when born in 1933. Founder of the Sundance Film Festival who managed to remember all 45 words in his last film, Charles Robert Redford Jr., was up close and personal in 1936. Norwegian of the day is Harald Heide-Steen Jr. who apparently started entertaining people in 1939. Also born that year is running bear Johnny Preston who found a cradle of love. Shuttlecock champ, (thankfully not ramming them down his shorts), but badminton player Rudy Hartono took his first drop shot in 1949. Latter day Fred Astaire, film actor/dancer (minus the bow tie, white shirt and tuxedo), Patrick Wayne Swayze breezed through in 1952. Member of plagiarising one hit wonder band Men at Work, Ronald ‘Ron’ Graham Strykert had his longest night in 1957. Actress Madeleine Marie Stowe didn’t have an illegal entry in 1958. 56th President of Mexico Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa didn’t oppose being born in 1962. Actor Edward Harrison Norton has managed to keep the faith since 1969. Also born that year, fellow thespian Christian Michael Leonard Slater was no longer alone in the dark. Having not mentioned any Hong Kong born people since starting this, here’s Jessica Hester Hsuan or Suen Huen, had her outburst in 1970. Gameshow host/poker player and wife to (very) occasionally mildly amusing comedian with the annoying voice David Mitchell, Victoria Coren (Mitchell) gave a crying call in 1973. Singer/songwriter Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr., who’s record label knows him as Mika couldn’t blame it on the girls in 1983. Late entrant on Norwegian of the day (part two), sees Siri, (though I doubt she’d know quite as much as the other one), Tollerød presented herself in 1988.

Deaths today feature no fewer than four Popes, but before we get to them, Temüjin or Genghis Khan died somehow in 1227. Next up are the Popes: Pope Sixtus III had his final audience at his funeral in 440. Pope Adrian V followed in 1276 when he hung his zucchetto and cassock up. 1503 saw Pope Alexander vacate the pulpit and in 1559 Pope Paul IV left the sinners waiting at confession. If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your house, (or lost your keys), you have inventor of the mortise lock – Eli Whitney Blake Sr. to thank and he found himself a deadbolt from 1886. Distiller of upper class hooch, Joseph Emm Seagram failed to get another drink after 1919. Founder of car company bearing his name, Walter Percy Chrysler drove off into the sunset in 1920. Gold medal winner at the Melbourne Olympics in hammer throwing, Harold Vincent ‘Hal’ Connolly finally let go in 2010. Best known for his song San Fransisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair), Philip Wallach Blondheim, who changed that to the equally snappy Scott McKenzie got to have flowers on his coffin in 2012. Dead Norwegian of the day – star of Scandinavian sit-com based on Hancock’s Half Hour, Rolv Helge Wesenlund failed to raise a laugh or enough air in his lungs after 2013. Finally Pakistani squash player Hashim Khan found his coffin quite roomy in 2014.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths

 

Today’s posting starts with Richard of Shrewsbury, who was made Duke of York a year after his birth in 1473 and never did get to march his men to the top of the hill and back down again, given he died aged 10. American frontiersman and folk hero, (with his hat), David ‘Davy’ Crockett was unable to brag about his birthdate from 1786. Emperor of Ethiopia Sahle Maryam but known as Menelik II started his expansion plans from 1844. Film producer born Szmuel Gelbfisz before changing it to Samuel Goldfish and then settling on Samuel Goldwyn framed it just right in 1882. Sex symbol not averse to using double entendres, Mary Jane ‘Mae’ West gave her parents no sleep night after night from 1893. Singer/actress Maureen O’Hara fell into the parent trap back in 1920. Having mentioned gaudy blazer and eye patch wearing jazz musician Alan George Heywood Melly on 5th July when he suffered his demise, here he is again, (minus the above), given he found his voice in 1926. Poet/children’s writer and husband to Sylvia Plath, Edward James ‘Ted’ Hughes, had to write birthday letters a few years after 1930. Film star with the spot who’s played everything from a Mafia member to a paranoid grandfather, Robert Anthony De Niro had a bloody mama in 1943. Also born that year is Welsh waffler on BBC Radio 4 as well as knowing all the answers on Mastermind, (given he asks the questions), Desmond John Humphries was all the news in his family. Fourth and sixth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning started to soak up the sunshine in 1946. Writer of well received period drama Downtown Abbey, now seen snoozing in the House of Lords, Julian Alexander Kitchener-Fellowes was more ‘downstairs’ in 1949. Ex-Reigate resident now living in Littlehampton, previous middleweight boxing champion of the world – Alan Minter, will probably have some halibut mornay and a drink or three in celebration of his 66th birthday, lovely, lovely, lovely! Three time F1 champion without managing to kill himself, Nelson Piquet Souto Maior left his first skid marks in 1952. Dungaree/dress wearing lead singer with 1980’s band Dexys Midnight Runners, Kevin Anthony Rowland didn’t resort to ‘Plan B’ in 1953. Tight trouser and frilly shirt wearer who bagged a gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics, Robin Cousins wobbled onto the scene in 1957. Member of 80’s girl group The Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle had her parents leave a light on from 1958. Another person born that year is disgraced ex-head honcho of Royal Bank of Scotland who handed his gong back to Liz, Frederick Anderson ‘Fred’ Goodwin started to count his blessings. Vernon Wayne Howell, or David Koresh leader of the Branch Davidians religious sect prophesied his arrival in 1959. Having mentioned his ex-Mrs only yesterday, Hollywood actor who spouted his somewhat skewed views on the Falkland Islands, Sean Justin Penn began climbing the tree of life from 1960. One hit wonder and subsequent lower chart botherer Maria McKee was the sweetest child from 1964. Tennis player James Spencer ‘Jim’ Courier Jr. took a drop shot in 1970. Ball kicker and diver for Arsenal before going onto plug small French cars – Thierry Daniel Henry started dribbling in 1977. First of three Norwegians to feature, Goth metal shouter Vibeke Stene saw life beyond the veil in 1978. Then, in 1980, Lena Marlin found out where she was headed.

Death wise there aren’t a great deal to report on today, but we begin with the rather rude sounding 89th Emperor of Japan Go Fukakusa who took his robes off for the last time in 1304. Admiral Robert Blake weighed anchor in 1657. Dead Norwegian of the day goes to violin screecher Ole Bornemann Bull who didn’t get another fiddle after 1880. Singer Paul Williams wasn’t tempted to stay alive after 1973. Older bro to George – Israel, or Ira Gershwin as he was also known, certainly couldn’t get started again after 1983. Another person getting their second mention this year is amateur pilot and ex-resident of both the Tower of London and Spandau Prison, senior Nazi Rudolph Walter Richard Heß (Hess) actually bent his arm in 1987. Sixth President of Pakistan Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq stopped wearing his grey overcoat in 1988. Eighth President of Italy Francesco Cossiga didn’t get to finish his pizza in 2010. Finally, owner of French drink company bearing his name, Patrick Ricard was toasted in more ways than one in 2012.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 16th August

 

Births today start with Anne of Austria, born in 1573 who went onto become consort of Poland, Grand Duchess consort of Lithuania, and, not content with those titles, she also added Queen consort of Sweden to the list. Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence or Lawrence of Arabia, (but born in Wales), didn’t revolt when born in 1888. Sixth Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin began breathing in 1913. Known for playing Davy Crockett, actor Fess Elisha Parker Jr. let out his first battle cry in 1924. Grandson to founder of Mars Inc. – Forrest Edward Mars Jr, didn’t use the dry method during birth in 1931. NASA astronaut Stuart Allen ‘Stu’ Roosa made it through the air lock in 1933. Singer/actress Revoyda Frierson who found success as Ketty Lester was queen for a day from 1934. Ex-shuffler of papers and pronouncer of unpronounceable names on the news, George ‘Trevor’ McDonald made his presence known in 1939. Another journo who did pretty much the same thing but in a self named newsround for children, and now known for wearing various jumpers whilst wandering around Britain, John Raymond Craven started circulating in 1940. Having played Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in BBC sit-com ‘Only Fools and Horses’, John Challis was born this morning in 1942. Fashion designer Katherine Hamnett CHOSE LIFE in 1947. 13th President of Nigeria Umaru Musa Yar’Adua convinced his mum to be born in 1951. Also born that year, real life Muppet (performer) Richard Hunt had his first cord cut. Three people were born in 1954: first up, performer with Kool & the Gang James Warren ‘J.T.’ Taylor gave his parents something to celebrate! Next up is film director of mainly sci-fi films (yawn), and two of the biggest grossing films (apparently), James Francis Cameron also directed things back then. Finally, cat impressionist and ironically a member of the Respect Party, George Galloway probably argued his way out. Convert to celebrity religion Kabbalah, continually changing pop star who’s shifted a few million discs over the years, Madonna (Louise Ciccone) had her first bedtime time story in 1958. Star of American version of The Office, (which was nowhere near as good as the original), Steven John ‘Steve’ Carell found it was open season in 1962. Ex-squeeze of HRH Prince Ted who’s been on various television programmes, Eva Ulrika Jonsson made her move in 1967. Italian pedlar and Olympic gold medalist Fabio Casartelli found the slipstream in 1970. Popular Indian actor Sajid (now Saif) Ali Khan, won the race in 1970. Offensive and (normally) amusing comedian Francis Martin Patrick ‘Frankie’ Boyle, (seemingly no relation to Susan), didn’t cause any controversy when delivered in 1972. Singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton was a pretty baby (apparently) in 1980. Actress who’s pretty much based her career in Harry Potter films, Evanna Lynch did her own Houdini act in 1991.

As for deaths, 19th century mystic Gadadhar Chatterji or Gadadhar Chattopadhyay or Ramakrishna Paramahamsa who then abbreviated it to Ramakrishna had the mystery as to when he’d die taken away from him in 1886. Pharmacist and inventor of rust busting/tooth decaying drink Coca Cola, John Pemberton went flat in 1888. Inventor of the Bunsen burner, Robert Wilhelm Eberhard Bunsen ran out of gas in 1899. Having not mentioned a Norwegian for a few days, here’s Carl Theodore Schultz to make up for it and who started pushing up his daises from 1914. Splendid moustache wearer whilst donned in his military uniform, Peter I of Serbia King of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes retreated in 1921. Baseball player George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth Jr. ran himself out in 1948. Author of book ‘Gone With the Wind’, Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell reached the end of her story in 1949. Hungarian actor who portrayed Count Dracula in the original 1931 film, Béla Ferenc Deszō Blaskó, or just Bela Lugosi had the death kiss in 1956. Las Vegas and Teddy Boy’s favourite who was the biggest male singer, (in more ways than one), Elvis Aaron Presley munched his last peanut butter and fried squirrel sarnie in his spangly jumpsuit back in 1977. Estranged wife of Rudolph Valentino, silent film actress born Harriet Ackers, but known as Jean Acker passed without comment in 1978. 13th Prime Minister of Canada John George Diefenbaker stopped ordering people about in 1979. Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan started having visions of Allah in 2002. Also not making it through that year, actor (before he was blacklisted), Jeff Corey had the premonition of death. Corrupt, human rights denier and generally deluded third President of Uganda, Idi Amin found what dying was all about in 2003. Finally, Princess Lalla Amina of Morocco left the tagine unwashed from 2012.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 15th August

 

Today, the following celebrated/are celebrating their special day of the year, and we begin with early day civil engineer and professional road builder – John ‘Blind Jack’ Metcalf who based himself in Knaresborough, Yorkshire from 1717. Diminutive French agitator and sparring partner of Wellington, born Napoléon di Buonaparte but is probably better known as Napoléon Bonaparte or Napoleon I revolutionised his parents lives in 1769. Keeping with the French theme, fourth President of France François Paul Jules Grévy resigned himself to being born in 1807. Having mentioned a couple of children’s authors last week, here we have Edith Bland, or to use her maiden/pen name, E. Nesbit waved goodbye to her mum’s stomach in 1858. Inventor of the theremin, Lev Sergeyevich Termin, (Léon Theremin) began eavesdropping on conversations from 1896. We have the following person to thank for having elderly people travelling at 5MPH whilst hogging the road given he invented the electric wheelchair, (among other things), George Johann Klein also took his time being born in 1904. A year later in 1905 fellow Canadian – dog musher and dog sled racer Emile St. Godard was on the right tracks. Sketcher of all sorts of corporate logos you take for granted, Paul Rand designed his entrance to the world in 1914. Swedish actress Signe Hasso thought heaven can wait when born in 1915, (and she did given she died in 2002). Actor Kreker Ohanian, who wisely renamed himself Mike Connors was too scared to scream in 1925. Also born that year, singer Bill Pinkney drifted through. Sixth President of Greece Konstantinos Stephanopoulos stood for the first time about nine months after his birth in 1926. Film director Nicholas Jack Roeg didn’t suffer bad timing given he arrived in 1928. Star of various Carry On films before going onto Pushing Daisies, James Smith or as his equity card states, Jim Dale, has been going since 1935. Founder of the Red Army Faction – Gudrun Ensslin didn’t take her mum by surprise in 1940. Famous for playing dim-witted Baldrick in comedy series Blackadder, before starting to dig things up Anthony ‘Tony’ Robinson had a cunning plan in 1946. Second eldest child to Queen Liz who’s continually slipping down the line of succession – Anne, Princess Royal will probably celebrate her 67th birthday by spending a bit of time with her horses and having a bit of cake, (or a sugar lump). Writer of various books, Steig Larsson started his backstory in 1954. Wife to computer crasher, sorry programmer Bill, Melinda Gates (née French), got the coding right herself in 1964. Star of un-amusing sit-com ‘Will & Grace’, Debra Lynn Messing took a literal meaning to her surname in 1968. Actor Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt or just Ben Affleck, would have been dazed and confused by his new surroundings in 1972. Gold medal winner at the 2004 Olympics with his horizontal bars, Igor Cassina swung into life back in 1977.

Deaths appear to be a bit thin on the ground today, and I’ll probably upset any actors reading this by mentioning the person you shouldn’t mention, Mac Bethad Mac Findlaích or just Macbeth, King of Scotland got fed up of pinching his nose and running around in circles every time his name was mentioned from 1057. Philippa of Hainault, Queen Consort to King Edward II could have chosen a better title, although she did die in Windsor Castle in 1369, rather than a tube station on the London Underground’s Central Line. First person to fly solo around the world who also discovered the jet stream, Wiley Hardeman Post found himself grounded in 1935. War Minister who surrendered Japan in the Second World War, Korechika Anami committed seppuku in 1945. Another famous Belgian, René Magritte made the right impression at the Purley Gates in 1967. First and fourth President of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, or Bangbandhu, found he didn’t have to sing the national anthem again after 1975. Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu stopped rubbing noses in 2006. Co-founder of women’s clothing company Zara – Rosalia Mera Goyenechaea unstitched herself in 2013. Finally, also not making it through that year, Marich Man Singh Shrestha 28th Prime Minister of Nepal drank his last Gurkha beer.