Skirmish

Small and unplanned bouts of fighting.

Fact of the Day

The name 'Plantagenet' probably comes from the sprig of broom (planta genista) Henry II's father Geoffrey used to keep in his helmet.

Quote of the Day

"I think a curse should rest on me, because I love this war. I know it's smashing and shattering the lives of thousands every moment, and yet I can't help it, I enjoy every second of it. "

~ Winston Churchill in 1916

On This Day

43 BCE The assassination of Cicero, requested by Marc Antony. When his head was delivered to Anthony, his wife, Fulvia, spat on it and jabbed hairpins into his tongue.

1732 The Theatre Royal, now known as the Covent Garden Opera House, opened with a performance of the Beggar's Opera.

1787 Delaware became the first state of the modern United States.

1817 Rear-Admiral William Bligh died. He had been captain of HMS Bounty during the mutiny.

1941 The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base a Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, killing 2,403.

1982 Charles Brooks Jr became the first person to be executed by lethal injection, with a huge dose of 'truth serum'