January 3rd

1496: Leonardo da Vinci unsuccessfully tests a flying machine. The machine actually did get airbourne, but da Vinci was unable to get through airport security.


1861: American Civil War: Delaware votes not to secede from the United States... guaranteeing the state will remain a decent place to pee when you're on your way from New York to Washington.


1925: Benito Mussolini announces he is taking dictatorial powers over Italy. No one in Italy notices because everyone is too busy arguing over dinner.