Born: Feb. 7, 1908Swimmer 2-time Olympic freestyle medalist with bronze in 1928 (1500m) and gold in '32 (400m); became movie star and King of Serials as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.Died: Apr. 23,…
(Encyclopedia) Conrad III, c.1093–1152, German king (1138–52), son of Frederick, duke of Swabia, and Agnes, daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV; first of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. He joined his…
Born: Nov. 12, 1968Baseball OF slugging Chicago Cub who surpassed Roger Maris’ season home run record (61), just after Mark McGwire did in 1998 and finished the year with 66; followed that up with…
Born: Dec. 19, 1894Baseball sportswriter and radio announcer who served as NL president (1934-51) and commissioner (1951-65); convinced record-keepers to list Roger Maris' and Babe Ruth's season…
Born: Oct. 1, 1963Baseball 1B Sporting News college player of the year (1984); Member of 1984 U.S. Olympic baseball team; won AL Rookie of the Year and hit rookie-record 49 HRs in 1987; shattered…
(Encyclopedia) Djokovic, Novak, 1987–, Serbian tennis player, b. Belgrade. He began winning European championships at age 14, and played in his first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, in…
(Encyclopedia) Duane, William John, 1780–1865, U.S. Secretary of Treasury (June–Sept., 1833), b. Clonmel, Ireland. He emigrated (1796) to Philadelphia with his father, William Duane (1760–1835), and…
(Encyclopedia) Consulate, 1799–1804, in French history, form of government established after the coup of 18 Brumaire (Nov. 9–10, 1799), which ended the Directory. Three consuls were appointed to rule…
(Encyclopedia) Andronicus II (Andronicus Palaeologus)Andronicus IIăndrənīˈkəs [key]Andronicus IIpālēŏlˈəgəs [key], 1258–1332, Byzantine emperor (1282–1328), son and successor of Michael VIII. He…
(Encyclopedia) Godiva, LadyGodiva, Ladygōdīˈvə [key], fl. c.1040–80, wife of Leofric, earl of Mercia; famous for her legendary ride through the city of Coventry. She was a benefactor of several…