ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1626. the Dutch explorer Minuit landed on what is now Manhattan Island.

• He was the first international explorer to be flipped off by a cabbie.
• Even back then, he couldn't afford to live there.
• He actually arrived several days earlier, but just couldn't find a place to park.
• Minuit bought the island of Manhattan from the Indians for $24 in trinkets.
• Actually, it was $22 for the island and $2 in closing costs.
• He wanted to buy it that day for $28 in beads, but decided to wait until the price came down.
• Actually, back then it was an island, too... but they didn't name it Manhattan until the drink came along. We think.

In 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences was founded. The director had just started a great speech, when the orchestra began playing and he had to cut it short. Or, up until that point, when an actor won an award, they had no one to thank.

On this date in 1932, Al Capone went to jail on income tax evasion charges. Ironically, he was assigned to the H and R block

In 1973, Valerie Perrine appeared in the nude on PBS's "Steambath." Of course, these days, we'd all prefer more steam!

On this date in 1976, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser announced that "Waltzing Matilda" would serve as his country's national anthem at the upcoming Olympic Games. Apparently "Tie me kangaroo down, sport" had a previous commitment.

In 1987 the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Rotary Clubs must admit women.

• Well as members, not just performers.
• Actually, they had allowed women in before, but through the back door.
• Ironically, it wasn't until women joined the Rotary Club that the first spinning class was held.