April 21st

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain, died 100 years ago today. The rumors of his death were no longer exaggerated.

It’s the birthday

. . . of Elizabeth R. Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith is 84 today. Her name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. She signs Elizabeth R. (R for Regina, Latin for Queen.)

. . . of Elaine May, 78.

. . . of Charles Grodin, 75.

. . . of Iggy Pop, 63.

. . . of Tony Danza, 59.

. . . of Andie MacDowell, 52.

. . . of Tony Romo, 30.

Charlotte Bronte was born on this date in 1816.

John Muir was born on this date in 1838.