Today is "Button Day". I don't know what it means either.
Lots of military stuff today.
On this day in 1532 the Conquistador Francisco Pizarro took Inca emperor, Atahualpa, hostage after victory in the battle of Cajamarca.
And on this day in 1798 the Brits boarded a United States ship, the Baltimore, and impressed several seamen into the Royal Navy, claiming that they were deserters. The practice of impressment was a clear violation of American rights and was a major source of tensions leading up to the War of 1812.
And on this day in 1846 General Zachary Taylor occupied Saltillo, Mexico.
And on this day in 1864 General William Tecumseh Sherman began his "march to the sea".
And on this day in 1967 American planes bombed Haiphong harbor in North Vietnam for the first time. Escalation, anyone?
And on this day in 1960 [the Year of Mazeroski], Pirate shortstop Dick Groat won the NL MVP award; and not to be outdone, in 1966 the peerless Pirate, Roberto Clemente received the same award.
"Happy Birthday" to the Federal Reserve System [1914]; to the Roman Emperor Tiberius [42 BC] (not to be confused with the captain of the Star Ship Enterprise); and to W. C. Handy [1873], writer of exquisite songs. Leaving the building today were Clark Gable [1960], the biggest male movie star of all time; and Rep. Sam Rayburn [1961] legendary Speaker of the House. He held the position for seventeen years. After he died they named the building for him.
And on this day in 1981 Luke married Laura on General Hospital. I'm not sure why, but I know several women who consider this to have been a big deal.
