September 13, 1848 - 164 years ago - Phineas Gage experienced the injury that would change medical science forever, when an iron rod blasted through his skull. He recovered physically, but his personality changed. This was the 1st case of a biological basis of personality being observed. After going on to be exhibited as a sideshow "freak" in Barnum's American Museum and working as a stagecoach driver in Chile, Phineas would die 12 years later. This is the story that is told in my historical novel, "The Only Living Man With A Hole in His Head". 

Today is also the birthday of one of my favorite writer's - Roald Dahl, born on this day in 1916. Can't imagine a world without James and The Giant Peach, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to mention just a few of his classics.