Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 27th November

Births today include, among others, 11th Emperor of the Song Dynasty – born Zhao Shen, before taking the title Emperor Xiaozong didn’t have to suffer people singing, ‘Happy Birthday’ to him from 1127. Shimazu Tadatsune ruler of Satsuma who was a bit wrinkly when born in 1576. Competitor to Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit on the temperature scale, Anders Celsius didn’t overheat upon his arrival in 1701. Founding father of the United States – Robert Robert Livingston‘s parents were quite inventive with his name in 1746. First President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann prayed for the day in 1874. Founder of Panasonic, Kōnosuke Matsushita tuned in for the first time in 1894. Also born that year, founder of nutritional company bearing his surname – Forrest Clell Shaklee started feeding. Norwegian of the day, chemist and Nobel laureate Lars Onsager started experiencing the wave function from 1903. Newsreader/broadcaster Robert Dougall started twitching in 1913. Robert Emil Schmidt, also known as Buffalo Bob Smith the faux cowboy with his hand up a puppets bottom whilst hosting ‘Howdy Doody’, started to make his presence known from 1917. Also born that year, seizing control was corporate raider and CE of Lonhro – Roland ‘Tiny’ Rowland. Harry ‘Buster’ Merryfield or Uncle Albert in classic BBC sitcom ‘Only Fools and Horses’, sailed through in 1920. Other half to Eric Morecombe, straightman Ernest Wiseman who managed to abbreviate that to Ernie Wise, couldn’t see the join in 1925. British television producer mentioned five days ago in the second paragraph – Verity Ann Lambert was born between the wars, in 1935 to be precise. Actor mentioned last week in the second paragraph – Rodney Bewes found the prize of arms in 1937. Darts commentator Anthony Julian ‘Tony’ Green bounced out in 1939. Star of various martial art films Lee Jun-fan or Bruce Lee, had the right stance in 1940. Also born that year, actor John Alderton was more downstairs than upstairs. Critically acclaimed, (somehow), guitarist and singer, who shacked up in George Frederic Handel’s pad in London, Johnny Allen Hendrix or as his A&R man knew him – James Marshall ‘Jimi’ Hendrix, amplified the noise in 1942. Australian crim Arthur Stanley ‘Neddy’ Smith freed himself in 1944, but has been banged up since 1989. Alternative comedian Brian Arthur John Smith was a grumpy young baby in 1954. Actress Patricia McPherson was part of the new generation in 1954. Yulia Volodymyrivna Tymoshenko who was Prime Minister of Ukraine – before being sent down for embezzlement and abuse of power, (a politician doing this? Surely not!), came through in 1960. Given we’ve had King, Queen and Prince in the charts we also saw Princess, (or rather Desirez Heslop), arrive in 1961. Actress and ex-Mrs Mike Tyson, Robin Simone Givens had a face to die for according to her parents in 1964. One half of parent killing brothers, Erik Galen Menéndez was actually grateful to his mum in 1970. English rapper Michael Geoffrey ‘Mike’ Skinner aka ‘The Streets’ thought, ‘let’s push things forward’ in 1978. Not wanting to be left out fellow English rapper Stephen Paul Manderson or ‘Professor Green’, joined in back in 1983.

Death wise, first King of the Franks – Clovis I stopped redrawing the map in 511. Inventor of the threshing machine Andrew Miekle probably thrashed about a bit in 1811. Geologist and palaeontologist Jean Albert Gaudry not only got to get a close up view of earth, but he also started fossilising in 1908. Co-founder of the Guinness Book of Records, Alan Ross McWhirter didn’t set any records given he was 50 when assassinated in 1975. Subject of 2008 film, Harvey Milk went sour in 1978. Classic radio DJ Alan Leslie ‘Fluff’ Freeman wasn’t ‘alright’ after 2006. Creator of sports drink Gatorade – James Robert Cade was more than dehydrated in 2007. Also expiring that year, actor born William Hendrickson Moor III before going onto be known as Bill Moore found he entered another world. Seventh Prime Minister of India Vishwanath Pratap Singh was very honest about his death in 2008. Film director Henry Kenneth Alfred ‘Ken’ Russell joined the devils in 2011. Bodie, (or was it Doyle?) from The Professionals, Lewis Collins didn’t get to crash through any more cardboard boxes given he was carried in a pine one back in 2013. Crime writer Phyllis Dorothy (P.D.) James, Baroness James of Holland Park came to the end of her particular chapter in 2014. Finally, marine biologist/animator responsible for bringing SpongeBob SquarePants to life – Stephen McDannell Hillenburg had closure in 2018.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 26th November

Today’s posting begins with clergyman and founder of American university named in his honour, John Harvard had a pushy mum in 1607. Continuing the Harvard theme, first president of the university – Henry Dunster wasn’t to be outdone given he arrived in 1609. Getting her second mention within a week – Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria of Wales and Queen Consort of Norway got her minions to deliver her in 1869. Inventor of modern day air conditioning, Willis Haviland Carrier didn’t break into a sweat when born in 1876. Given I mentioned his co-founder Bob Smith when he dried up, here we have other half of Alcoholics Anonymous founding team, William Griffith Wilson/Bill Wilson/Bill W had a sobering birth in 1895. Co-founder of fast food restaurant with the clown and golden arches, not to mention being the bain of every street sweeper around the globe, Maurice James ‘Mac’ McDonald didn’t hang about in 1902. Hotelier Charles Carmine Forte had his first service in 1908. Actor and dad to both Sinéad and Niamh, (among other children), Cyril James Cusack had the cry of the innocent in 1910. Part Norwegian of the day, creator of Peanuts/Charlie Brown, Charles Monroe Schultz didn’t draw out his birth in 1922. Stalwart of dull soap opera Coronation Street – Patricia ‘Pat’ Phoenix rose up from 1923. Ernest Arthur ‘Ernie’ Coombs or as he became known, ‘Mr Dressup’, dressed down after being delivered in 1927. Co-founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company – John Bernard Adie Barton had his twelfth night on 7th December in 1928. Actor/comedian born Henry Greenberg Cohen Sandler Weinblatt, before going onto be known as Hank Garrett had his exit in red 90 years ago. Small clothes wearer with the big hair, Anna Mae Bullock, ex-Mrs Ike Turner or Tina Turner showed some respect in 1939. Dad to macrobiotic fan Gwyneth, Bruce Weigert Paltrow was produced in 1943. Replacement singer to Diana Ross in The Supremes, Jean Terrell had high energy in 1944. Bass player in bickering band, Fleetwood Mac – John Graham ‘Mac’ McVie was able to squash the rumours over his birthdate in 1945. ‘Adult’ actress who started shafting people in a different way when she became a politician – Ilona Staller who also goes by the name Cicciolina was a bit of a show off from birth in 1951. Son of left wing British MP Tony, (the one with a girls name and round glasses), Hilary Benn made his maiden speech a year or so after 1953. Controversial British Labour MP who slipped from grace somewhat after his alleged party with cocaine and male escorts, Nigel Keith Anthony Standish Vaz solicited his views from 1956. Australian comedian David Williams ‘Hughsey’ Hughes, deadpanned it after birth in 1970. Ivan Basso another alleged doped up cyclist had his first individual time trial in 1977. Singer/songwriter Natasha Anne Bedingfield was a pocketful of sunshine to her parents in 1981. Lesser known co-founder of Faceache/book – Christopher ‘Chris’ Hughes made the right impression in 1983. Son to Princess Stéphanie of Monaco and her ex-bodyguard/husband – Louis Robert Paul Ducruet gambled on arriving in 1992.

As for deaths, these are very thin on the ground today, but Pope Siricius kicks things off given he left the balcony vacant from 399. The assassination of leaders of Syria has been going on longer than most may think given Emir of Aleppo Al-Aziz Muhammad ibn Ghazi was taken right out in 1236. Not wanting to be outdone by Pope Siricius as Arch Bish of Canterbury – Edmund of Abingdon finished up in…. Burgundy back in 1240. Queen of Castile, Isabella I had her last expedition, to the Royal Chapel of Granada in 1504. Road builder who invented macadamisation, John McAdam came to the end of his road in 1836. Firearms designer John Moses Browning discharged himself in 1926. Mum to Walt and Roy, Flora Call Disney wasn’t so animated after 1938. Owner of Associated Newspapers, Harold Sidney Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Rothermere became yesterday’s news in 1940. Chiricahua Apache actor Dehl Berti was no longer the toughest man alive after 1991. Creator of I-Spy books, Charles Warrell failed to spy his coffin in 1995. One time Goon, Michael Bentine – born Michael James Bentin became one of golden silents in 1996. Founder of donut chain bearing his name and CEO of Denny’s restaurants – Verne Hedges Winchell had his own takeaway, (by the undertakers), in 2002. Proper gangster Francis Davidson ‘Mad Frankie’ Fraser has been a lot more mellow since 2014. Film director and screen writer Bernardo Bertolucci was no longer the conformist from 2018. Finally, spiky haired celebrity chef Gary Rhodes started to reduce in 2019.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 25th November

We start today’s posting with violin maker Giuseppe Giovanni Battista Guarneri who cased the joint after his birth in 1666. Composer of music to Stille Nacht, (Silent Night) – Frank Xaver Gruber gave his parents anything but from 1787. Andrew Carnegie started off life in a weaver’s cottage in Dunfermline back in 1835, before graduating to having a hall named after him in New York. Pioneering German engine designer and car engineer, not to mention being one half of Mercedes Benz, Karl Benz ignited the world upon his arrival in 1844. Boring old battle axe with a battle axe, (used to smash up licensed establishments), unhinged American temperance movement member, Carrie Amelia Moore Nation started to make everyone’s life miserable from 1846. First Pope to feature today, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli or Pope John XXIII elected to be born in 1881. Commandants of Auschwitz concentration camp – Rudolf Franz Ferdinand Höß (Hoss) started to keep an eye on things from 1900, along with Arthur Liebehenschel who joined him in 1901. Major League Baseball player Joseph Paul ‘Joe’ DiMaggio pitched it just right by arriving in 1914. Sash wearing el-presidenti of Chile, Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte seized the day in 1915. Casino supremo of Macau – born Ho Hung-Sun, before adding Stanley in front of that, took it to the limit in 1921. Singer Percy Tyrone Sledge hammered his way through in 1940. Fellow singer born Jocelyn Lorette Brown, who also goes by the name Jocelyn Shaw, started to embrace the power in 1950. Probably the most famous Pakistani cricketer and politician, not forgetting being ex-husband to Jemima, Imran Khan Niazi was a dropper in 1952. Dishonest CEO of dishonest company Enron, Jeffrey Keith ‘Jeff’ Skilling was unable to manipulate the date of his birth in 1953. Choreographer and judge on boring dancing programme, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Bruno Tonioli hot footed it in 1955. Alcoholic ginger ex-leader of the yellow team in Great Britain, Charles Peter Kennedy had high satisfaction rates, (from his parents) in 1959. Singer/songwriter Amy Lee Grant was looking into her father’s eyes from 1960. Bulgarian pole vaulter Galin Nikov jumped through in 1968. Controversial ex-chief political advisor to Boris who liked a drive, Dominic Mckenzie Cummings voted leave, (with his feet), for the first time in 1971. Also arriving that year, actress Christina Applegate has been just visiting since then. Fashion designer for Gucci, Alessandro Michele didn’t get to wear gaudy nappies, (diapers) in 1972. Singer/songwriter Thea Eve Gilmore has been celebrating her birthday regardless since 1979. Twin daughters of ex-President G.W. Bush – Barbara and Laura started terrorising the world in 1981.

Deaths begin with Pope Peter of Alexandria who found things warmed up a bit in 311. King Malcolm II of Scotland failed to battle on after 1034. Pope Lucius III vacated the Vatican in 1185. Hymn writer Isaac Watts didn’t get the royalties from his songs performed at his funeral in 1748. Sculptor who’s figures can be found in Westminster Abbey – Joseph Wilton headed east to Wanstead Cemetery in 1803. Inventor/musician who perfected the modern Western concert flute, Theobald Böhm went D Flat in 1881. King Alfonso XII of Spain, he of waxed moustache and hat at a jaunty angle succumbed in 1885. American tap dancer/actor Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson was closer than one mile from heaven in 1949. Dutch draughts champion Herman Hoogland found his game was up in 1955. Inventor of the electrical starter motor – Charles Franklin Kettering stopped in 1958. Dirge folk singer Nicholas Rodney ‘Nick’ Drake started the time of no reply in 1974. Also not making it through 1974 and person who started the tradition of alternative names as Secretary General of the United Nations – Thant, became known as U Thant. One of the best footballers, (and as it turned out drinkers), George Best was off side in 2005. Plus four and tweed wearing turkey farmer Bernard Matthews wasn’t so bootiful in 2010. Actress born Dinah Nadyejda Ginsburg, but known as Dinah Sheridan found the place no vultures fly in 2012. Indian Kathak dancer Sitara Devi twirled off in 2014. Ex-Cuban Prime Minister and then Presidenti – Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz has been permanently fatigued from 2016. Actor born Harold Rance Beckenholdt, before messing around with his name a bit and coming up with Rance Howard let go in 2017. Finally, cheating footballer Diego Armando Maradona lost the line of recovery in 2020.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the blanks.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 24th November

Notable births today include Charles XI King of Sweden who had rosy cheeks in 1655. Uniform wearing 12th President of the United States of America, Zachary Taylor was young, rough and ready in 1784. English clergyman widely credited with inventing rugby union, William Webb Ellis didn’t have the medical joker deliver him in 1806. Writer of books about Pinocchio – born Carlo Lorenzini but known by his pen name Carlo Collodi had a normal sized nose from 1826. Novelist responsible for Little Lord Fauntleroy – Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett left the secret garden in 1849. Having mentioned inbred French painter with the short legs, Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec Monfa on the 9th September when he put his paintbrushes down, here he is again given the nurses weren’t too sure whether he was standing up in 1864. Designer of Canberra, Australia, and developer of the L-shaped floor plan, yes, Walter Burley Griffin found his way through in 1876. Cardiologist Frederick Arthur Willus let out a mumur when born in 1888. Pioneering plastic surgeon Albert Ross Tilley changed his looks over the years from 1904. Television and stage actress known for her no nonsense characters – Joan Sanderson had the human element from 1912. Science fiction aficionado who coined the term ‘sci-fi’ – Forest James Ackerman was real from 1916. Fellow Canadian, author of young adult fiction – Eric Hamilton Wilson, didn’t make up his birthdate in 1940. Someone else who had a mention earlier this year when he unplugged from life, guitarist Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn is featured again as he plucked his way through in 1941. Also born that year, drummer with The Beatles, Randolph Peter Scandland but known as Randolph Peter ‘Pete’ Best found the rhythm in Madras, British India. Welder/boilermaker who went onto become comedian/actor, William ‘Billy’ Connolly hasn’t given a stuff, (polite version) about being born in 1942. Serial killer Theodore Robert Cowell, (or Bundy as he was also known), didn’t get off to the best of starts in 1946. Known for his role in The A Team as Captain ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock, William Dwight Schultz was no longer alone in the dark from 1947. Australian stand up comedian and television host, Shane Keith Bourne wondered how the hell did I get here? in 1949. Having mentioned Merv Hughes yesterday, today we see fund raiser, willow bat holder and wine maker Ian Botham, who managed to get through the sticky wicket in 1955. Someone else born that year, drummer for Blondie – Clement ‘Clem’ Burke isn’t downbeat given he’s now 66. Jazz/soul singer who doesn’t have to forget the name of her band given she named it after herself – Carmel McCourt has been sweet and lovely since 1958. English tenor singer Russell Watson had the people get ready in 1966. Lanky bespectacled sidekick to Ricky Gervais, Stephen James Merchant certainly wasn’t an extra in 1974. Oldest son to actor Tom Hanks, actor Colin Hanks has managed to get over it having been born in 1977. Actress Katherine Marie Heigl discovered life as we know it in 1978.

As for deaths, the following fell into the grasp of the reaper – Sethus Calvisius who proposed a change to the calendar found it did him no favours given he died in 1615. There are no Popes to mention, (again), today, but we do see ninth of the ten Gurus of the Sikh religion, Guru Tegh Bahadur feature today as he found himself minus his head in 1675. Keeping with the religious theme Archbishop of Canterbury William Sancroft gave up on the Pilgrims Way in 1693. Mohawk military and political leader Thayendanegea or Joseph Brant to his friends, left his teepee for the last time in 1807. British Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, (the one with the city in Australia named after him), was able to leave it alone from 1848. Argentine presidenti between 1874 and 1880, Nicolás Remigio Aurelio Avellaneda Silva died in 1885, a few years before the Falkland Islands became an issue. We have Anna Jarvis to thank for us celebrating Mother’s Day, (and there I was thinking it was the card companies inventing it, how cynical is that?), mind you, she didn’t give us Death Day every year after her demise in 1948. Shipyard worker allegedly the person behind slogan named after him, James J Kilroy hasn’t been here since 1962. Alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald met his own maker in 1963. Quebec born cook, Jehane Benoît, (née Patenaude), who wrote 30 cook books before finding the benefits of microwave ovens heard the final ping on her life support machine in 1987. Novelist responsible for The One Hundred and One Dalmatians, (among others), Dorothy Gladys ‘Dodie’ Smith decided to call it a day in 1990. Rock star with the distinctive teeth, Faroukh Bulsara or Freddy Mercury as he was better known didn’t get to live forever as he failed to inhale from 1991. Character actor who played General Erich Von Klinkerhoffen in ‘Allo ‘Allo, Roger Michael Hilary Minster was able to cry freedom in 1999. Owner of numerous American sports teams, Abraham ‘Abe’ Pollin slam dunked life in 2009. Singer/songwriter of ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, (among others) – Mitchell Stuart ‘Mitch’ Margo found the end of the world in 2017. Finally, journalist/broadcaster who chose England over Australia – born Vivian Leopold James, but known as Clive James, has been in the blaze of obscurity since 2019.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 23rd November

Births today begin with East Francian King and Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great got to be the first King with the name Otto in 912. Theodore Dwight Weld – the American abolitionist slaved away during his birth in 1803. A year later in 1804, 14th President of the United States of America, Franklin Pierce found he was a young American expansionist. Born Henry McCarty, aka William H. Bonney – but better known as Billy the Kid, stole the day in 1859. There’s no disputing English actor William Henry Pratt, or to give him his professional name – Boris Karloff, didn’t scare his parents in 1887. Second eldest and one fourth of the Marx Brothers, Arthur ‘Harpo’ Marx made a noise when entering the world in 1888. Creator of Professor Branestawm – Norman George Lorimer Hunter began his first chapter in 1899. Composer/arranger who wrote the theme tune to M*A*S*H (among others), John Alfred ‘Johnny’ Mandel hit the right note in 1925. Self professed ‘professional’ golfer with a film recently released about his life and who entered the Open Championship under the names of George Paceki, Arnold Palmtree and James Beau Jolley to give a few of his pseudonyms – Maurice Flitcroft was straight faced when born in 1929. Singer best known for the original version of ‘The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)’, Betty Everett found she was going to be ready for her arrival in 1939. Ex-police officer who murdered on the side, Dennis Andrew Nilsen freed himself in 1945, (which is more than he managed from 1983 until his death in 2018). Actress Diana Marilyn Quick started to learn new tricks from 1946. Founding member of vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, Alan Paul had his who, what, where, when moment in 1949. 3ft 11ins, (or 1.19m in new money), actor – David Stephen Rappaport became a time bandit in 1951. Singer/piano player Bruce Hornsby found that’s the way it is in 1954. Australian cricketer, (no, not Deano Jones), the other one with the moustache, Mervyn Gregory ‘Merv’ Hughes had his first slip in 1961. Also born that year, founder of pizza chain Papa John’s, John Schnatter needed to be delivered. Television/radio presenter from the UK – Kirsty Jackson Young got the time, the place, right in 1968. Daughter to television know all, (before Stephen Fry came along), and ex-Mrs Fatboy Slim – Zöe Louise Ball has been live and kicking since 1970. Model and sort of actress, Kelly Ann Parsons or as her various ex-fiancées know her – Kelly Brook, has felt comfortable in her own skin from 1979. Daughter of mullet owning country singer from the 90’s, (Billy Ray) – Miley Cyrus who graduated from Hanna Montana to controversial pop starlet, didn’t use a wrecking ball in 1992.

Death wise, early day King of England, Eadred found himself with a wooden overcoat from 955. Flemish imposter Perkin Warbeck couldn’t fake his death in 1499. Not the horsey looking daughter of Liz, but fifth daughter to King Edward IV of England – Princess Anne of York left the bedchamber duties to others in 1511. Fifth Vice President of the United States of America – Elbridge Gerry namesake of the term ‘gerrymandering’, was unable to manipulate his date of death in 1814. Another King, this one of the Netherlands, King Willem Alexander Paul Frederik Lodewijk III – another member of the House of Orange, passed the baton to the women in 1890. Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen the murderer who got a mention on 11th September when he was born, gets another go given he hung out until today in 1910 when he was executed. Indian physicist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose couldn’t hear, (or breath), after 1937. Writer who created Zorro, Johnston McCulley became pulp himself in 1958. Another person getting their second mention, sort of Norwegian of the day – Roald Dahl ran out of tales and found a way out in 1990. Yet another one to get a second bite of the cherry, is outraged Daily Mail favourite and watcher of ‘pure filth’ on television, (despite there being other channels and an On/Off switch), Constance Mary Whitehouse, (née Hutcheson), finally went mute in 2001. Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko wished he hadn’t drunk his tea in 2006. Larry Martin Hagman, (or J. R. Ewing if you were into dull soap opera Dallas), gave up nodding like a donkey in 2012. Actor best known for playing dim witted Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers – Andreas Siegfried ‘Andrew’ Sachs started having communication problems from 2016. Finally, ex-Mayor of New York – David Dinkins, hasn’t had a bite of the big apple since this day last year.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the blanks.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 22nd November

Births, (and deaths), appear to have picked up a bit today so without any further ado we see early version of Hilary Clinton who was designated first Second Lady and second First Lady of the United States of America, Abigail Adams, (née Smith), had puritan thoughts in 1744. Bucket and spade merchant who’s company went bust the other year) – Thomas Cook was at the front of the queue in 1808. Founder of football clubs FC Zurich and FC Barcelona, Hans Max Gamper-Haessig, (who also went by the name Joan Gamper), kicked things off in 1877. Having mentioned distinctive hat wearer Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle along with his Mrs within a day of each other, (on 8/9th November), here he is again given he didn’t put up any resistance to being born in 1890. Wiley Hardeman Post, credited with being the first person to fly solo around the world as well as discovering the jet stream, released the chocks in 1898. Classical music composer Edward Benjamin Britten arranged his arrival in 1913. Actress, (Imelda), Anne Crawford joined the millions like us in 1920. Film, stage and television actress Geraldine Sue Page had her toys in the attic from 1924. Firearm designer responsible for the M16 rifle – Eugene Morrison Stoner didn’t have an accidental discharge in 1922. Luvvie founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company and theatre director – Peter Reginald Frederick Hall shuffled onto the scene in 1930. Actor Robert Francis Vaughan got to see his U.N.C.L.E. in 1932. One time heir to the Du Pont fortune, (until his conviction for murder), John Eleuthére du Pont must have given the family the idea for non sticking Teflon in 1938. Part of the classic Monty Python team Terrence Vance ‘Terry’ Gilliam has been a time bandit since 1940. Actor Thomas Antonio ‘Tom’ Conti hasn’t quite gone full circle since birth in 1941. Tennis queen, (in more ways than one), Billie Jean King, (née Moffitt) served an ace being delivered in 1943. Member of Talking Heads, Martina Michéle ‘Tina’ Weymouth had a once in a lifetime experience in 1950. Daughter of Hollywood legend Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis didn’t have to escape New York given she was born in Santa Monica California in 1958. Glamour model and member of ‘Hill’s Angels’ – Corinne Russell started running around with minimal clothing about a year after her birth in 1963. Cupboard loving German ex-tennis player and current coach to Novack Djokovic, Boris Becker didn’t hit the net in 1967. Singer with indie band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen Lee Ozolek who goes by the abbreviated name Karen O, showed her bones in 1978. Internet pioneer responsible for Napster – Shawn Fanning started up in 1980. Actress Scarlett Johansson has been in good company since 1984, whilst in 1986 gun toting Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was under starters orders.

People at the end of their life include, among others, Antipope Felix II obviously wasn’t anti death given he keeled over in 365. King of Denmark, Eric V was unable to stick his fingers up from 1286. Archbishop of Canterbury John Tillotson cashed in his chips back in 1694. English pirate, (before the Somalis took over the franchise), Edward Teach/Thatch, or to give him his professional name, Blackbeard, walked the plank in 1718. Creator of the Ferris Wheel – George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., started turning in his grave from 1896. Having mentioned W.S. Gilbert a few days ago in honour of his birthday, here’s the other half – Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan did everyone a favour as he acted out his death in 1900. One of The Three Stooges, Shemp Howard, (but born Samuel Horowitz), has been holding that ghost since 1955. Prominent member of the Huxley clan, Aldous Leonard Huxley didn’t suffer writer’s cramp after 1963. Also not making it through that year is 35th President of the United States of America, (the one with everything named after him), John Fitzgerald Kennedy found the bullet with his name on it, and writer Clive Staples ‘C.S’ Lewis found the problem of pain can lead to death. Another person getting their second mention this year, actress Mary Jane ‘Mae’ West somewhat ironically headed west in 1980. Female pilot who successfully flew solo from New Zealand to England – Jean Gardner Batten probably wishes she didn’t pat the dog in 1982. Writer of A Clockwork Orange, (among others) – John Anthony Burgess Wilson or just Anthony Burgess, came to the end of his tale in 1993. Famous snapper of the stars from the 1960’s, Terence Daniel Donovan entered the dark room in 1996. Singer with Australian band INXS who liked to hang around Sydney hotels Michael Kelland John Hutchence experienced the swing in 1997. Founder of cosmetic company bearing her name – Mary Kay Ash, (born Mary Kathlyn Wagner), didn’t have to get her hair done again after 2001. Television producer we have to thank for Dr Who, (among many other programmes), Verity Lambert called it a wrap in 2007. Given other Presidents get a mention here, it seems only fair Kim Young-sam, ex-President of South Korea gets his moment of glory given he survived house arrest, but not a cardiac arrest in 2015. One of the stars of The Brady Bunch, Florence Agnes Henderson saw the holy man in 2016. Finally, sitar and surbahar player, Imrat Khan hasn’t missed sitting on old rugs since 2018.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 21st November

Kicking proceedings off today, French philosopher Francçois-Marie Arouet who also went by the pen name Voltaire, took the nickname ‘Zozo’ from 1694. Founder of boat business bearing his name – Samuel Cunard was a little boy in 1787. Richest, (and stingiest), woman in America – (and no, it’s not Leona Helmsley), but Henrietta Howland ‘Hettie’ Green ‘The Witch of Wall Street’, looked almost as happy at birth in 1834 as she did throughout life. Daughter to Queen Vicky & Bert, the imaginatively named Victoria, Princess Royal Bever didn’t know whether people were talking to her or her mum from 1840. Sultan of Egypt and Sudan, (complete with fez and moustache), Hussein Kamel got to see his first dromedary mammal in 1853. Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chlesa or Pope Benedict XV received his orders in 1854. Norwegian of the day, with the moustache, (as well as being one of 16 children), Sigbjørn Obstfelder was a child of few words from 1866. Now, there’s a funny thing, original ‘Cheeky Chappie’ – comedian with the plus four trousers, born Thomas Henry Sargent before going on to be known as Max Miller arrived in 1894. Another famous Belgian, artist René François Ghislain Magritte found birth a surreal experience back in 1898. Silent film actress Alice Calhoun was between friends from 1900. Film director Roy Alfred Clarence Boulting left the magic box in 1913. National treasure who penned various dark tales, Beryl Margaret Bainbridge didn’t give her parents a quiet life from 1932. Songwriter for Sam & Dave, (among others), David Porter was a B-A-B-Y in 1941. Actress Goldie Jeanne Hawn had her ‘Good Morning, World’ moment in 1945. Daughter of Francis Ethel Gumm, (or Judy Garland to you and me), and half sister to Liza Minnelli – Lorna Luft was uncared in 1952. Former editor-in-chief of Tatler who went onto pick through the words in Vanity Fare – born Christina Hambley Brown, who then took it down to Tina Brown, held the position in 1953. Host of Saturday night Radio 2 show and daughter of gap toothed golf playing comedian Jimmy – Liza Tarbuck has been bonkers since 1964. Odd Icelandic singer Björk Guðmundsdóttir’s, (hence being known by her first name), mum probably wondered why it’s oh so quiet from 1965. Russian born chess Grandmaster Evgeny Bareev got his positioning just right in 1966. Guitarist with Britpop band Blur, Steven Alexander ‘Alex’ James started shoegazing in 1968. Singer known for her hit ‘Call Me Maybe’ – Carly Rae Jepsen had her curiosity satisfied once born in 1985.

It’s another slow day for deaths, but we begin in 496 as Pope Gelasius I stopped taking confessions. Composer Henry Purcell let out his last note in 1695. Sort of dead Norwegian of the day, Danish artist Peder Severin (P.S.) Krøyer didn’t leave a post-script in 1909. Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and Croatia along with being King of Bohemia, Franz Joseph I of Austria found himself in a catacomb under the streets of Vienna from 1916. Olympic gold medal winning divot maker at the 1904 St. Louis Games, Edward Cummings was knocked down in 1926. Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, James Barry Munnik Hertzog/J.B.M. Hertzog has been remembered since 1942 as a jam filled tartlet named ‘Hertzoggie’. Real life ‘Bird Man of Alcatraz’, Robert Franklin Stroud fell off his perch in 1963. Camp writer and raconteur Dennis Charles Pratt, or Quentin Crisp, found himself somewhat crisp in 1999. Eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong, (Monarch), of Malaysia and eighth Sultan of Selangor – Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj didn’t have to worry about sticking any further decorations on his jacket after 2001. Another science fiction writer I’ve never heard of – Anne Inez McCaffrey didn’t get the dragons to burn her in 2011. Art Ginsberg or ‘Mr Food’, began an enforced diet in 2012. Finally, one time teen heart throb actor, singer/songwriter etc – David Bruce Cassidy wasn’t the spirit of ‘76 given he died in 2017. Also not making it through that year sit-com actor Rodney Bewes never did find out what happened to the likely lads.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 20th November

Today’s posting starts way back in 270 when chief toga wearer and laurel leaf wearer Maximinus II/Maximinus Daia/Maximinus Daza started off wrapped in a sheet. Francesco Saverio Castiglioni who went onto become Pope Pius VIII got his first blessing in 1761. Inventor of the crown cork bottle cap and bottle opener – William Painter popped out in 1838. Henri Charles Wilfred Laurier, seventh Prime Minister of old British outpost, Canada, didn’t break the record with his labour in 1841. Edwin Powell Hubble, (yes, the one who’s got a telescope named in his honour), saw through the aperture in 1889. Actor born Reginald Leigh Dugmore, but went onto be known as Reginald Denny made sure his parents weren’t without children from 1891. Co-founder of diabetics favourite drug, insulin – James Bertram Collip had plenty of energy in 1892. Aviatrix who was the first woman to fly solo from Australia to the United Kingdom – Maude Rose ‘Lores’ Bonney landed in 1897. Cartoonist who created Dick Tracy – Chester Gould was the court jester back in 1900. Broadcaster best known for his radio, (though he’d probably say wireless), show ‘Letter from America’ – Alastair Cooke made his presence known from 1908. Comedy actor known for his reflection trick in shop windows – born Harry Bourlon Illingsworth, but known as Harry Worth got his thirty minutes worth in 1917. Younger brother to ex-President of the United States of America, JFK, (the one with everything named after him), Robert Francis ‘Bobby’ Kennedy, (the one without everything named after him), was in his shadow from 1925. Car designer Erhard Schnell had a fast birth in 1927. Co-founder of the London Marathon, John Disley found his legs about a year after his birth in 1928. Also arriving that year, actor from The Jeffersons – Franklin Edward Cover wasn’t a mirage. Born Colin Lionel Emm, but known to Americans as game show host Richard Dawson didn’t get involved with any family feuds once born in 1932. Actor from Fawlty Towers – Brian Charles Hall checked in in 1937. Having mentioned RFK, (above), here’s another American politician, now President of the United States of America, Joseph Robinette ‘Joe’ Biden Jr., was actually awake in 1942. Singer famous for his song Spirit in the Sky, Norman Greenbaum was more down to earth in 1942. Mary Cathleen Collins, (or Bo Derek), had to wait until 1966 to hit 10. Michael Diamond who abbreviated that to Mike D, VW badge nicker from The Beastie Boys, started to put his roots down in 1965. Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor arrived without prompting in 1976. Tattooed basketball player with the interesting name – Carlos Austin Boozer Jr., had his dad lift a glass in his honour back in 1981. Also born that year, manufactured popster girl group member – Kimberley Walsh wasn’t tangled up, whilst a year later risqué actress Margo Stilley had her first scene. Singer, (well rapper), and songwriter Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn started to see the future in 1983.

As for deaths, King Edmund of East Anglia found himself buried in Bury in 869. King John I of France who was mentioned five days ago upon his birth/coronation gets another go given he became John the Posthumous in 1316. Not quite a Pope, but papal nuncio Karl von Miltitz found he couldn’t swim in 1529. Leo Nikolayveich Tolstoy writer of epic novel War and Peace obviously tired of it given he rolled over in 1910. Sportsman who drafted the first set of rules for football, (or soccer to my American fans), Ebenezer Cobb Morley fell foul of the offside rule in 1924. Alexandra of Denmark, Queen Consort of Great Britain, Ireland and Empress Consort of India left Sandringham in a box in 1925. Her youngest daughter who made it to Queen of Norway – Maud of Wales, (rather than anywhere in Norway), celebrated the 13th anniversary of her mum’s death by doing exactly the same thing in 1938. Clyde Vernon Cessna, he of little aircraft, found his life stalled in 1954. Born Allan Copelon, but finding fame as Allan Sherman, singer of novelty song ‘Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah’ said, ‘Goodbye Muddah, Goodbye Faddah’ in 1973. Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco Bahamonde, didn’t get to experience mañana after today in 1975. 18th Prime Minister of Australia – Sir John McEwan found things even hotter at the crem in 1980. Dead Norwegian of the day, ex-Prime Minister Trygve Martin Bratteli opted out in 1984. Eighth Prime Minister of Rhodesia, (now Zimbabwe previously run by TIM – That Idiot Mugabe), Ian Douglas Smith failed to see any further Christmas’s from 2007. First man to reach the summit of K2, Lino Lacedelli entered his bivvy bag in 2009. Author and self proclaimed medium – Sylvia Celeste Browne has failed to reach the other side since 2013. Finally, game show host, announcer etc., James Edward Dooley/Jim Perry lost the game of life in 2015.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 19th November

People who have/are eating cake in celebration of their big day include, among others, King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland who racked up 49 years on the planet from 1600. Diplomat who went onto develop the Suez Canal – Ferdinand Marie, Vicomte de Lesseps, didn’t have a crisis arriving in 1805. Assassins target and 20th President of the United States of America, James Abram Garfield enhanced his parents lives from 1831. Person who the Peruvians have to thank for tourists invading the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu – Hiram Bingham III also led the way in 1875. World chess champ, José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera didn’t add to the tension in 1888. Sailing 13th President of Portugal, Américo de Deus Rodrigues Tomás had more than apparent wind in 1894. Another politician, (and assassinated leader) – no relation to robe/sandal wearing and stick carrying Mahatma, third Prime Minister of India with the skunk hairdo, Indira Priyadarshini Ghandi, (née Nehru), became independent of her mum in 1917. Actor/voice actor born Angus Young who went onto be known as Alan Young fired up the time machine in 1919. Actress of stage and screen, Gene Eliza Tierney had that wonderful urge to arrive in 1920. Norwegian of the day, sculptor Knut Steen broke through the mould in 1924. Also born that year, actor who portrayed Dr Who’s assistant Ian Chesterton in the first series – William Russell Enoch was an unearthly child. Known for his trouser braces and large microphone, Laurence Harvey Zeiger or Larry King, had his first show in 1933. Founder of 24 hour cable news channel CNN and ex-husband of Jane Fonda, Robert Edward Turner III initially became ‘mouth of the south’ in 1938. Actor who starred in The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, Daniel Francis ‘Dan’ Haggerty started grizzling in 1942. Underpant merchant now into perfumes and watches, Calvin Richard Klein must have got his inspiration for under-garments in 1942. Michael Parkinson’s least favourite interviewee, Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, (or just Meg Ryan), has never been one of the boys since 1961. Subject of John Hinckley’s unwanted attention Alicia Christian ‘Jodie’ Foster did the baby dance in 1962. Yet another Tour de France rider implicated in a doping scandal, Richard Virenque wasn’t blocking this day in 1969. Born in 1976, web-developer, entrepreneur founder of micro-blogging site Twitter Jack Dorsey’s 280 character rule mean I can now wish him a very Happy Birthda . Actor Adam Douglas Driver was slipping in 1983. Heavily tattooed rapper Michael Ray Stevenson or TYGA, (Thank You God Always), to his fans waited longer than a minute to be born in 1989.

We start the deaths paragraph with Pope Anastasius II who must have been quite pleased to be out of the breezy Vatican in 498. Imaginatively named son of Ivan the Terrible, Ivan Ivanovich was Ivan the Stiff in 1581. French prisoner Eustache Dauger or The Man in the Iron Mask became the Man in the Wooden Box from 1703. Prolific composer Frank Peter Schubert became an unprolific decomposing composer in 1828. Sixth chief door knocker for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Joseph Fielding Smith Sr was to be found rattling the Pearly Gates in 1918. Silent movie actress Phyllis Haver gave her final, (and best), death performance in 1960. Part of the Onassis clan, Christina Onassis went overboard in 1988. Only child of Doris Day, Terry Melcher – musician and record producer only managed to turn over once and that was for the last time in 2004. Born Riccardo DiGuglielmo but known as Dick Wilson who starred in numerous Charmin toilet paper adverts wiped more than the floor in 2007. Finally, notorious criminal/cult leader Charles Milles Maddox, or rather, Charles Milles Manson had his final meeting with the prison governor in 2017. Also not making it through 2017 is Wimbledon champion, (in 1998) – Jana Novotná has experienced a certain stiffness.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.

Famous & Infamous Births & Deaths 18th November

Today’s births paragraph starts with Princess Friederike Luise Wilhelmine of Prussia, who went on to become Queen of the Netherlands and joined the party in 1774. One half of dull ‘comedy opera’ writers, (who’s songs all sound pretty much the same), William Schwenck (W.S.) Gilbert ran out of patience and made his way into the world back in 1836. Ice hockey player who came up with the goaltender glove – Percy LeSueu was elbowing his way out in 1881. Statistician and pollster George Horace Gallop didn’t gauge opinion in 1901. Having mentioned designer of the Mini car, Alexander Arnold Constantine ‘Alec’ Issigonis on 26th July when he ran out of juice, here he is again newly off the production line in 1906. Member of the Buena Vista Social Club, Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz or as he became known Compay Segundo started making noises in 1907. Songwriter responsible for Moon River, (among many others) – John Herndon ‘Johnny’ Mercer had people tell him ‘You must have been a beautiful baby’ from 1909. Test pilot and developer of the V/STOL, (Vertical and/or Short Take Off and Landing) for aeroplanes – Alfred William ‘Bill’ Bedford landed in 1920. Astronaut who was the first American in space – Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr., found his celestial coordinates in 1923. Cartoon character which started the whole thing for Walt Disney – Mickey Mouse started his domination of the world this day way back in 1928. Proving you should never ask a lady her age, Amanda Lear singer/artist and muse to Salvador Dali, was born this day in either a) 1939 b) 1946 c) 1948 or d) 1950, though as to which is correct I’ll leave you to work out. Soap opera star Linda Evans carried on the family dynasty from 1942. First woman to be elected Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation – Wilma Mankiller, was, (thankfully), anything but from 1945. One hit wonder from the 80’s John Parr wasn’t a member of the brat pack in 1954. Daughter to rock’n’roller Marty, born Kim Smith but known as Kim Wilde wasn’t a kid in America given she grew up in Chiswick London, from 1960. Danish footballer Peter Bolesław Schmeichel wasn’t offside in 1963. Frontman of the Polyphonic Spree Tim DeLaughter had his parents say, ‘Yes, it’s true’ in 1965. Actor Owen Cunningham Wilson got to meet the parents for the first time in 1968. His compatriot, wearer of mismatched clothes – Cholë Stevens Sevigny obviously wasn’t anti birth in 1974. Younger half of Simon Cowell’s cheeky chappies PJ & Duncan, or rather Ant & Dec, (or is it the other way round?), ex-pill popper Anthony David ‘Ant’ McPartlin wasn’t a celebrity but still got out of there in 1975. John David Jackson who must be dyslexic given goes under the stage name of Fabolous, (please let us be the judge of that), can’t deny it given he was born in 1977. Norwegian of the day – programmer responsible for reverse engineering data formats, Jon Lech Johansen, (or DVD Jon), went with the European date system for his birthdate in 1983.

As for deaths there aren’t that many to report on again, though the following weren’t so lucky: civil engineer responsible for West India Docks in London as well as one of the first railways in the world, (from Croydon to Godstone in Surrey), William Jessop engineered his passing in 1814. Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States of America didn’t elect to die this day in 1886. Novelist Marcel Proust failed to turn the page from 1922. Third prime minister of the land of eternal sunshine, (unless you live in Melbourne), John Christian Tanck or John Christian ‘Chris’ Watson didn’t get to barbecue another prawn or snag after 1941. Patriarch to the Kennedy clan, Joseph Patrick ‘Joe’ Kennedy Sr., left his surviving children to get on with it in 1969. Not the English Prime Minister and sailor, (sorry sailing), enthusiast with the same name, but trombone player and band leader Edward Heath has failed to conduct his since 1969. Cult leader of the Peoples Temple – James Warren ‘Jim’ Jones had his prediction of the end of the world, (for him), come true in 1978. Frederick Landis Fitzsimmons or as he was affectionately known ‘Fat Freddie’ the Major League Baseball player didn’t quite score a home run in 1979. First French cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, (Lance Armstrong take note), Jacques Anquetil peddled his last tale in 1987. American Bandleader and original singer of Minnie the Moocher, Cabell ‘Cab’ Calloway III was unable to get up and live from 1994. Austin ‘Red’ Robbins the basketball player for various teams throughout his career dribbled for the last time in 2009. Man mountain who payed rugby for New Zealand – Jonah Lomu hasn’t done the haka since 2015. Finally, co-founder and singer/songwriter for AC/DC – Malcolm Mitchell Young was as hard as a rock in 2017.

With thanks to http://www.onthisday.com for filling in the gaps.