On the fourteenth of November 2003, Peter Weir’s Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, adapted from the 20-book series of Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian, was released in the United States in a co-production by Twentieth-Century Fox, Universal Studios, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Miramax. Costing roughly $150 million, the film earned $212 million worldwide. Read More …
First, turning 70 today is Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, of course better known as Elton John. And according to some sources, today is also the birthday of one Esteban Maturin y Domanova, better known as Doctor Stephen Maturin – physician, spy (at least in the O’Brian novels and briefly hinted at in the movie), Read More …
On December 12th, 1914 in Buckinghamshire, England, Richard Patrick Russ was born to Charles and Jessie Russ, and was the eighth of nine children. In August of 1945, Richard Patrick took the name Patrick O’Brian by which he is now known. Although the writer of numerous novels and short stories, as well as biographies, he Read More …
Because it is the 50th anniversary of the appearance of Gene Roddenberry’s “Wagon Train to the Stars,” IOW Star Trek, I cannot help but remember feeling the excitement and allure of a future of dashing about the galaxy in search of alien worlds, alien life and alien experiences. I also remember falling in love with Read More …
The Nile Delta. Aboukir Bay – Mediterranean coast. In one of the greatest naval battles in history, The Battle of the Nile – fought between the British Royal Navy led by Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson and the French Navy under Vice-Admiral François-Paul-Brueys d’Aigalliers – began on this day. By its’ conclusion on the third, a Read More …