Sunday, July 20, 2008

It's National Lollipop Day

I couldn’t find out who started the holiday or when, or why, but there are many mentions of it online so I guess it’s true. Yeah, that's how the great lie works.

July 20 1402 -
At the battle of Angora, Tamerlane led his huge army of Taters against the Ottomans (or Ottomen). Tamerlane captured the Sultan (Head Ottoman), and this is why we call some sweaters Angoras to this day. (Angora, however, is now called Ankara.)



July 20 1944 -
In an attempt on Hitler's life, a timebomb explodes in the situation room of the Wolf's Lair, killing four Nazi officers but only wounding the Fuhrer. After his close call, Hitler becomes even more paranoid. A massive purge is to follow, resulting in the execution of thousands of officers.



Tom Cruise is still trying to get this film released the incident over the massive objections of the Germany government (the release has now been pushed by til February 2009.)

July 20 1951 -
In Jerusalem at the al-Aqsa Mosque, King Abdullah of Jordan is shot three times in the head and chest by Mustapha Shukri Usho, a Palestinian opposed to peace with Israel. Abdullah dies on the spot.



July 20 1969 -
On live television, the world watches as Neil Armstrong steps foot on the Moon. It was a brave thing to do.



That is, unless it was faked.

July 20 1973 -
In Hong Kong, martial artist Bruce Lee drops into a coma and dies of cerebral edema. He had been experiencing brain problems beginning in May, which included sporadic loss of consciousness. Lee's death transpires shortly before the release of Enter the Dragon, his most successful film.



July 20 1994 -
O.J. Simpson offers a $500,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the Real Killers. To this day progress remains elusive, although Simpson's golf score has improved somewhat.

And so it goes.

No comments: