January 3, 2011

• 515 years since Leonardo Da Vinci unsuccessfully tests a flying machine (1496)
• 490 years since Martin Luther was ex communicated by Pope Leo X in the Decet Romanum Pontificem
• 119 years since the birth of J.R.R. Tolkein author of the Lord of The Rings trilogy
• 100 years since the birth of film director John Sturges (The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape)
• 86 years since Benito Mussolini announced taking power over Italy
• 55 years since the top of Eiffel Tower is damaged by Fire
• 50 years since the US ends diplomatic relationship with Cuba
• 49 years since Pope John XXIII excommunicated Fidel Castro
• Eli Manning, Quarterback of the New York Giants, turns 30 (b. 1981)
• January 3 is the Christian feast of St. Genevieve, patron saint of Paris