Edward Dando (c. 1803 – 1832) was a thief who overate at food
stalls and inns, then revealed that he had no money to pay. He was
particularly fond of oysters, once eating 300 in a sitting (cartoon
pictured). Dando began his thefts in about 1826 and was arrested at
least as early as 1828. Most of his activity was in London or Kent. He
would often leave a house of correction, go on an eating spree the same
day, be arrested straight away, and be put back in prison. He was put in
solitary confinement at least once after he stole the rations of fellow
prisoners. In August 1832, Dando caught cholera in prison and died. His
death, like his exploits, was widely and sympathetically reported in the
press. His name entered the public argot as a term for one who eats
excessively and does not pay. He was the subject of numerous poems and
ballads. William Makepeace Thackeray wrote a short story loosely based
on Dando, which was made into a play. Charles Dickens also wrote about
Dando, comparing him to Alexander the Great.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Dando>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
902:
Arab–Byzantine wars: Led by Ibrahim II of Ifriqiya, Aghlabid
forces captured the Byzantine stronghold of Taormina, concluding the
Muslim conquest of Sicily.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquest_of_Sicily>
1774:
British scientist Joseph Priestley liberated oxygen gas,
corroborating the discovery of the element by German-Swedish chemist
Carl Wilhelm Scheele.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen>
1892:
Belgian carillonneur Jef Denyn hosted the world's first
carillon concert at St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carillon>
1911:
Harriet Quimby became the first woman to earn an Aero Club of
America aviator certificate.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Quimby>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
hither and thither:
1. To here and to there, one place after another; in different
directions.
2. (figuratively) In a disorderly manner.
3. (intransitive, archaic) To move here and then there; to move in
different directions.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hither_and_thither>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my
friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed
making art for you.
--Paul Reubens
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Paul_Reubens>
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