Alfred Packer is reputed to be one of the only two Americans ever to be convicted of cannibalism (the other being Albert Fish). (In reality his conviction was for murder, not cannibalism because, unlike jay-walking, cannibalism is not a crime in the United States). On April 13th 1883, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. However, Packer hornswoggled the hangman because in 1885, the sentence was reversed and Packer was sentenced to 40 years hard labour instead. The judge, with a clear grasp of political correctness, commented during sentencing: "Packer, you depraved Republican son of a bitch, there were only five Democrats in Hinsdale County, and you ate them all!". Here is something to look forward to: 2004 MN4 is a Near-Earth asteroid that will come so close to Earth (only 22600 miles away) that on April 13, 2029 (Friday the 13th) it will be easily visible with the naked eye, weather permitting, from Britain. No other closely approaching objects in recorded history have been visible to the naked eye. I’m sure that Guy Fawkes, who was born today in 1570, would have loved it.
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