(Encyclopedia) Pynchon, JohnPynchon, Johnpĭnˈchən [key], c.1626–1703, American colonist and merchant, b. England; son of William Pynchon. He emigrated to Massachusetts Bay colony with his father in…
Born: 1930Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minn. Stain blocker for fabric (Scotchgard™)—Chemist Patsy Sherman discovered an oil- and water-resistant fabric treatment quite by accident while working for 3M…
Born: New York, N.Y.Birthplace: 1927 Stain blocker for fabric (Scotchgard™)—Chemist Patsy Sherman discovered an oil- and water-resistant fabric treatment quite by accident while working for 3M on a…
Born: Jan. 21, 1940Golfer all-time leader in major tournament wins with 20— including 6 Masters, 5 PGAs, 4 U.S. Opens and 3 British Opens; oldest player to win Masters (46 in 1986); PGA Player of…
(Encyclopedia) Ghent, Treaty of, 1814, agreement ending the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. It was signed at Ghent, Belgium, on Dec. 24, 1814, and ratified by the U.S. Senate…
(Encyclopedia) Dallas, George Mifflin, 1792–1864, American statesman, vice president of the United States (1845–49), b. Philadelphia; son of Alexander James Dallas. He read law, was admitted (1813)…
(Encyclopedia) Barnburners, radical element of the Democratic party in New York state from 1842 to 1848, opposed to the conservative Hunkers. The name derives from the fabled Dutchman who burned his…
Notable Filmmakers and Directors
Spike Lee
See also Actors African-American Actors Asian American Film & Television Personalities Hispanic-American Film, Television, and Theater…
George W. Bush (the 43rd president) is the son of George Bush (the 41st president). John Quincy Adams (the 6th president) was the son of John Adams (the 2nd president). Benjamin Harrison (the…
(Encyclopedia) Rodney, George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron, 1719–92, British admiral. He served with distinction in the Seven Years War (1757–63), his most notable achievement being the capture (1762)…
