Friday, March 25, 2011

Venice, Robert the Bruce, David Lean and Elton John

I read an article recently mentioning the adorable things, quirks of vocabulary children say then at some stage grow out of. I remember most of them but should in truth note them. My daughter for example, when going barefoot say she is 'going in her own feet.' Love it.

Anyway. March the 25th.

The City Of Venice is said to have been founded on this day in 421. The capital of the Veneto region, it stretches across 117 small islands. The founding of the city is said to date back to the dedication of the fisrt church - San Giacomo. Here is a brief history. My thing for old maps shows no signs of abating.


On March the 25th 1306 Robert the Bruce was crowned King of the Scots at Scone near Perth. Here is an image of the Coronation Chair with the Stone of Scone underneath.



We remember a Mr Benjamin French. On March the 25th 1807 the world's first Passenger Railway had its first outing. It was a four wheeled horse drawn dandy and ran from Swansea to Oystermouth.

OK mini-rant here. David Lean was born on this day in 1908 in Croydon. His list of films is extraordinary and comprehensive but to mention a few of my absolute favourites - Lawrence of Arabia, Dr Zhivago and A Passage to India. Have a look at this fabulous article from The New Yorker. Also this from the BFI.

Gloria Steinem, Elton John and Aretha Franklin have a birthday today - 1934, 1942 and 1947.

Today is the celebration throughout the Christian Church of the Feast of the Annunciation - the celebration of the announcement by the Angel Gabriel to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. Today is also known as Lady Day. Enjoy.

Huge thanks as ever for notes and images courtesy of the the great Wikipedia.

Oops nearly forgot - I have friends for lunch today - cooking an all time favourite La Parmigiana di Melanzane. While I think about it  here are two of my favourite Italian words : carciofi and albicocca. 

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