June 24 - Pretty

Pretty in Prunes

Overheard

[E has just been put back to bed. Again.] 
E: I'm not sleepy.
M: Well,  it's bedtime. Count sheep, or something.
E [holds up pacifier]: I can't count sheep, I have this in my mouth.

This Day In History

109

Roman emperor Trajan inaugurates the Aqua Traiana, an aqueduct that channels water from Lake Bracciano, 25 miles north-west of Rome.

1314

Battle of Bannockburn concludes with a decisive victory for Scottish forces led by Robert the Bruce.

1497

John Cabot lands in North America at Newfoundland leading the first European exploration of the region since the Vikings.

1604

Samuel de Champlain discovers the mouth of the Saint John River, site of Reversing Falls and the present day city of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

1880

First performance of O Canada, the song that would become the national anthem of Canada, at the Congrès national des Canadiens-Français.

1916

Mary Pickford becomes the first female film star to sign a million dollar contract.

1949

The first television western, Hopalong Cassidy, is aired on NBC starring William Boyd.

2010

John Isner of the United States defeats Nicolas Mahut of France at Wimbledon, in the longest match in professional tennis history.

Famous Birthdays

1386

John of Capistrano, Italian saint (d. 1456)

1542

John of the Cross, Spanish mystic and poet (d. 1591)

1777

John Ross, English naval officer and explorer (d. 1856)

1842

Ambrose Bierce, American author (ca. 1914)

1893

Roy O. Disney, American businessman (d. 1971)

1901

Chuck Taylor, American basketball player and salesman (d. 1969)

1915

Sir Fred Hoyle, English astronomer (d. 2001)

1938

Lawrence Block, American crime writer

1950

Mercedes Lackey, American fantasy writer

1956

Joe Penny, English actor

1961

Iain Glen, Scottish actor
Curt Smith, English musician and songwriter (Tears for Fears)

1966

Adrienne Shelly, American actress and director (d. 2006)

1987

Lionel Messi, Argentine footballer