January 23

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January 23 produced a fair number of human entrances and exits.

On this date in 1828, Saigo Takamori, aka “the last samurai” was born. Saigo led an army of sword-wielding samurai against the new Japanese imperial government that favoured opening up the country to foreign, modern innovations. He committed suicide after losing the Battle of Shiroyama in 1877.

This is also the birthday of Winnipeg-born William Stephenson, perhaps the most influential Canadian ever to have lived, outside of Frederick Banting, the inventor of insulin. World War I flying ace, failed hardware salesman, and spy extraordinaire, his efforts helped bring the neutral USA into World War II, uncover Nazi spy rings, and direct much of British wartime intelligence. He is said to be the model for Ian Fleming’s James Bond, 007.


Checking out on this date in 1516 was Ferdinand II, “the Catholic”, of Aragon. Husband of Isabella of Castile, Ferdinand united Spain, oversaw the creation of a world-wide empire, added the Kingdom of Naples to his holdings, and ordered the expulsion of Spain’s Jews.

Saying farewell on this date in 2004 was Bob Keeshan, aka Captain Kangaroo and the original Clarabell the Clown on Howdy Doody. He served as the grandfatherly Captain from 1955 to 1984.

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