PARACULTURAL CALENDAR FOR MAY 28

[Mark Thibodeau]

On this day in 585 BC, while Alyattes is fighting Cyaxares at the
Battle of Halys, a solar eclipse occurs, just as predicted by Greek
philosopher Thales. This is one of the so-called "cardinal dates" from
which the dates of other occurrences in Ancient history can be
accurately calculated.

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On this day in 1503, a Treaty of Everlasting Peace between Scotland
and England is signed to commemorate the wedding of James IV of
Scotland and Margaret Tudor. This peace lasts all of ten long years.

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On this day in 1936, philosopher Alan Turing submits his thesis, On
Computable Numbers, for publication. It's a pretty mind-blowing piece
of work, not meant for the layman.

***

On this day in 1964, the Palestine Liberation Organization, more
popularly known as the PLO, is formed in Palestine/Israel. It is
recognized as the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian
people" by the United Nationsand over 100 states with which it holds
diplomatic relations, and has enjoyed observer status at the UN since
1974. The PLO was considered a terrorist organization by the United
States and Israel until the Madrid Conference in 1991, when they
recognized Israel's right to exist in peace in 1993 and rejected
violence and terrorism. In response, Israel officially recognized them
as a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

***

On this day in 1998, beloved actor, comedian and artist Phil Hartman
is killed in his sleep by his wife Brynn Omdahl, who then turns the
gun on herself. Their two children were alone in the house with them
at the time. Anti-depressant medication was implicated.
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