Robert A. Heinlein’s Birthday (1907-1988)
“One could write a history of science in reverse by assembling the solemn pronouncements of highest authority about what could not be done and could never happen.”
—Robert A. Heinlein
One of the “greats” of science fiction (and one of my personal favorites), Heinlein published his first sci-fi short story “Life-Line” in 1939 and continued writing until his death in 1988. The Wikipedia article seems quite accurate and detailed, so I’ll refrain from commenting on his controversial nature, except to note that Heinlein censored himself (and was censored by editors) in his juvenile literature, making it a lot more fun to read than what he wrote for adults. (He was an odd, odd man.) Generally speaking, his short stories are more “restrained” as well, written as they were for mass marketed magazines.
Campaign for the U.S.S. Robert A. Heinlein
Robert A. Heinlein Centennial
Robert Heinlein at 100
Robert A. Heinlein at Amazon
My personal, hands down, all-time favorite (juvenile/young adult) novel of Heinlein’s is Tunnel in the Sky
Michelle Kwan’s Birthday
(Michelle Kwan at Skate America, 1996; music “Winter” by Tori Amos
Captain John Paul Jones’ Birthday (1747-1792)
“If fear is cultivated it will become stronger; if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.”
—John Paul Jones (1747-1792)
“Father of the American Navy”
Bill Haley’s Birthday (1925-1981)
(Rock around the Clock, Bill Haley & The Comets, circa 1956, 1:56)
Bill Watterson’s Birthday
Calvin: Want to help me write a book?
Hobbes: Sure. What’s it about?
Calvin: Well, you know what historical fiction is? This is sort of like that. I’m writing a fictional autobiography. It’s the story of my life, but with a lot of parts completely made up.
Hobbes: Why would you make up your own life?
Calvin: Because in my book I have a flame thrower!
Bill Watterson is the creator of Calvin and Hobbes. You can find more information about him here.
Here’s a nice tidbit of trivia for you: Calvin’s teacher, Miss Wormwood, is named after the junior devil in The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. (I can’t believe I never noticed that!)
Huey Lewis’ Birthday
(Heart of Rock and Roll, Huey Lewis and the News, circa 1984, 4:00)
Related product(s):
Huey Lewis & The News Greatest Hits
Florence Van Leer Earle Nicholson Coates’ Birthday
A Seeker in the Night
I lift my eyes, but I cannot see;
I stretch my arms and I cry to Thee,—
And still the darkness covers me.
Where art Thou? In the chill obscure
I wander lonely, and endure
A yearning only Thou canst cure!
Once—once, indeed, in every face
I seemed thy lineaments to trace
And looked in all to find thy grace:
I thought the thrush—sweet worshipper!—
From the minaret of the balsam-fir
Hymned forth thy praise, my soul to stir;
I thought the early roses came
To lisp in fragrant breaths thy name,
And teach my heart to do the same;
I thought the stars thy candles, Lord!—
I thought the skylark as he soared
Rose to thy throne and Thee adored!
But now a labyrinth I wind,
And needing more thy hand to find,
Grope, darkling, Lord!—for I am blind!
Ah, bridge for me the awful vast,
That I may find Thee at the last!—
Then draw me close, and hold me fast!
—Florence Earle Coates (1850-1927)
