November 17 RIP

First on our list today is Gregory of Tours. Contrary to what you think, he is not the patron saint of bus rides (I hope).  He wrote the series of books "History of the Franks", which has nothing whatever to do with Sinatra or Robinson.

Remember also how Elizabeth Tudor had a day of mixed emotions?  Well, that's because of the death of her sister.  So RIP Mary Tudor, or Mary I of England, to be more pretentious.  Her mother, by the way, was Catherine of Aragon.  Mary was of the Papist persuasion, so her half-brother tried to name their cousin Jane as queen.  Mary saw it differently, and Jane... well, you know how these things generally turn out.

Here's an interesting tidbit:  On this date in 1720, Calico Jack Rackham died.  Arrr, he be a pirate!  And he later made an appearance in "Treasure Island", which is quite an accomplishment since that story takes place in 1775.  (I know all this because I was just cast as a pirate in the local play.  Yay me!)

Also dying on this date, Catherine II of Russia, aka Catherine the Great.  And no, the horse story is nothing but a bunch of horse... stuff.  As always, the story was created by enemies after her death in order to make her look bad.  Why?  Well, she was a German chick who came into Russia and eventually overthrew her dumbass husband, who was the Tsar, and took his place.  Russians and Germans aren't always great friends, in case you didn't know that.

The dorks among us will recognize the name of Herman Hollerith.  And you'll be impressed at the fact that I recognize it also.  And then we'll move on with our lives, and be glad he doesn't have that much of an effect on our lives anymore.

Here's an interesting fact:  Remember earlier today when we celebrated the birth or Martin Barre of Jethro Tull?  Well sadly for the band, his birthday will always be tempered with sadness for the death on this date of John Glascock, also of the band.  He died quite young, which I confess I didn't know.  Heart problem, which supposedly resulted from an abscessed tooth.  I don't see the connection, but I can't say there isn't one.  Bummer.

A mere 9 days ago, we celebrated the birth of Esther Rolle, aka "Florida Evans" of tv fame.  Well today, we mourn her passing.  Still a bummer, as I thought she was pretty funny.

And to end it all, we go with a person who means a lot to anyone in Michigan who loves the game of football.  RIP the incomparable Bo.  If you even remotely know NCAA football, do I really even need to add the last name?  Schembechler, for the record.  He was a good coach, a great leader, and a genuine character.  Some years ago, I was living and working in Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is located.  I saw Bo and his second wife in the store.  I wanted to say something, but what could a grown man say to such a legend?  "Gee, I want to thank you for being such a great coach, even though I never played football, and went to your rival school?"  It just seemed tawdry somehow.  So I said nothing.  Ah well.  He was something else.  And I just want to mention one more thing for all you Wolverine fans out there:  GO GREEN!  SPARTANS RULE!

There.  Had to squeeze that in.  If anyone expects me to say nice things about the Bucknuts, well you clearly aren't from Michigan.

The end.