ON THIS DAY
FROM THE DAILY MAIL ARCHIVE
OCTOBER 13, 1943 LoRD WooLToN yesterday announced a ‘windfall’ for the children of Britain — 84 million oranges. The Minister of Food said that children up to five would receive two pounds of the fruit each, and those between five and 16 one pound. OCTOBER 13, 1964 PRINCE Philip’s office cabled The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, from Canada yesterday. It read: ‘Disregard Press reports quoting Duke of Edinburgh saying Beatles on the wane. Should read: I think Beatles are away at the moment. Mistake probably due to misprint. Prince Philip sends his best wishes for continued success.’
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SACHA BARoN CoHEN, 46. The London-born actor and comedian behind outrageous characters Ali G, Borat and Bruno (right). He says his grandmother, who died two years ago at 99, was probably the world’s oldest keep-fit teacher. But she was not a fan of his work: ‘I took her to [the film] Bruno and she said she didn’t like it. So I asked: “What kind of humour do you like?” She said: “Ballet.”’ PAUL SIMoN, 76. The American singersongwriter is one half of Simon & Garfunkel. Mrs Robinson, from The Graduate soundtrack, began life as Mrs Roosevelt in tribute to U. S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wife Eleanor. But the film’s director Mike Nichols told Simon: ‘Don’t be ridiculous! We’re making a movie here! It’s Mrs Robinson.’
BORN ON THIS DAY
CHARLES FREDERICK WoRTH (18251895). The Lincolnshire- born fashion designer found fame in Paris, becoming known as the ‘father of haute couture’. Many of his designs were inspired by portraits in London’s National Gallery. He popularised the bustle and was the first to use live mannequins. LILLIE LANGTRY (18531929). The Channel Islands actress, right, known as the Jersey Lily, was famed for her beauty rather than her performances. She was the subject of The New Helen, a poem by oscar Wilde, in which he compared her to Helen of Troy. Fans included the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, whose mistress she became.
ON OCTOBER 13…
IN 1269, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. IN 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of Turkey, replacing Istanbul. IN 2010, the last of 33 Chilean miners were rescued after surviving a record 69 days trapped 2,300ft underground.
WORD WIZARDRY
GUESS THE DEFINITION
Battology (coined 1603) A) Study of the unusual or bizarre. B) Analysis of adolescent voice change. C) Repetition of the same words or phrases in speech or writing. Answer below. PHRASE EXPLAINED Point-blank: Meaning direct or in close range of fire, it comes from the French point blanc or ‘white spot’, the centre of an archery target.
QUOTE FOR TODAY
WE ALL know that art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realise truth. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
JOKE OF THE DAY
WHY did the Queen go to the dentist? To get her teeth crowned. Guess the Definition answer: C.