Vincent van Gogh died today – 117 years ago

Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands. He said, “When I have a terrible need of - shall I say the word - religion. Then I go out and paint the stars.” [So that explains “Starry Night”.]... Mr. van Gogh died in 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise (by Paris), France.

German composer Robert Schumann was born on June 8, 1810 in Zwickau, Saxony, Germany. He said, “People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; for no reason whatsoever." [I guess he covered all the bases.]... Mr. Schumann died in 1856 in Endenich, Bonn, Germany.

U.S. writer Gertrude Stein was born on February 3, 1874 in Allegheny (now Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania. She said, “Everyone gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.” [Perhaps now, with the internet, she would have said that they lose their sanity... occasionally.]... Ms. Stein died in 1946 in Paris, France.

U.S. singer (with the “Mamas and Papas”) "Mama" Cass Elliot was born as Ellen Naomi Cohen on September 19, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. She said, “I would say the world's in terrible shape, but I'm afraid the world would say, 'Look who's talking!’” [What would the world say about you?]... Ms. Elliot died in 1974 in London, England.

English actor David Niven was born as James David Graham Niven on March 1, 1910 in London, England. He said, “I have a face that is a cross between two pounds of halibut and an explosion in an old clothes cupboard." [Don’t be so hard on yourself.]... Mr. Niven died in 1983 in Château-d'Œx, Switzerland.