Who is The Doctor?

The actors who played the Doctor in Doctor Who, along with the essence of their performances and notable storylines.

William Hartnell

William Hartnell (1963-1966): The First Doctor, known for his gruff exterior masking a compassionate heart. He embarked on adventures with his granddaughter Susan and two human companions, Ian and Barbara, exploring the universe and encountering various historical figures and alien races.

Patrick Troughton

Patrick Troughton (1966-1969): The Second Doctor, characterized by his whimsical nature and clever intellect. He faced iconic foes like the Cybermen and the Daleks and played a pivotal role in the defeat of the War Lords.

Jon Pertwee

Jon Pertwee (1970-1974): The Third Doctor, exiled to Earth and working with UNIT, he was suave, technologically adept, and skilled in Venusian Aikido. He faced off against the Master and encountered many extraterrestrial threats.

Tom Baker

Tom Baker (1974-1981): The Fourth Doctor, known for his iconic scarf and boundless energy. He traversed time and space with companions like Sarah Jane Smith and encountered memorable adversaries like the Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master.

Peter Davison

Peter Davison (1982-1984): The Fifth Doctor, youthful and compassionate, he often found himself in perilous situations alongside companions like Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan. His tenure included confrontations with the Cybermen, the Master, and the Black Guardian.

Colin Baker

Colin Baker (1984-1986):The Sixth Doctor, eccentric and unpredictable, he had a complex relationship with his companion Peri and faced challenges such as the Valeyard and the Trial of a Time Lord.

Sylvester McCoy

Sylvester McCoy (1987-1989): The Seventh Doctor, portrayed as a mysterious and manipulative figure, he navigated through darker storylines involving ancient evils and enigmatic plots.

Paul McGann

Paul McGann (1996): The Eighth Doctor, introduced in the TV movie, he was romantic and adventurous, with only one televised appearance but numerous audio adventures exploring his character further.

Christopher Eccleston

Christopher Eccleston (2005): The Ninth Doctor, a damaged war survivor, he brought a darker edge to the character, confronting his past during the Time War and forming a close bond with companion Rose Tyler.

David Tennant

David Tennant (2005-2010): The Tenth Doctor, charismatic and emotional, he faced personal demons and monumental challenges, including his confrontation with the Daleks and the Time Lords during the Time War.

Matt Smith

Matt Smith (2010-2013): The Eleventh Doctor, youthful and quirky, he navigated complex storylines involving the Silence, the Weeping Angels, and the mystery of the “Impossible Girl,” Clara Oswald.

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi (2013-2017): The Twelfth Doctor, portrayed as more alien and introspective, he grappled with questions of morality and identity while facing threats like Missy (the Master) and the Cybermen.

Jodie Whittaker

Jodie Whittaker (2017-2022): The Thirteenth Doctor, known for her boundless energy and sense of wonder, she embarked on adventures with companions spanning across time and space, confronting familiar foes and new challenges.

September 30

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Historically, September 30th has seen a thing or two. Back in 1791, the good folks of Philadelphia laid the cornerstone for the United States Capitol. That’s the big fancy building where politicians go to talk and argue – not always in that order.

Then, in 1927, Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, hit his 60th home run in a single baseball season. That’s a record that stood tall for a spell. Imagine that – one man knockin’ the ball out of the park 60 times in a few months.

As for notable folks born on this date, well, there’s Truman Capote, the writer who gave us “In Cold Blood” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” He had a knack for spinning tales that’d make a cat laugh.

And, for all you fans of “Star Trek,” you’ll be happy to know that September 30th is the birthday of the late Leonard “Spock” Nimoy. He had them pointy ears and a logical mind to match.

So, there you have it, September 30th in all its mellow glory. It might not set the world on fire, but it’s got its own flavor, like a slow sip of that mulled cider.


September 29

Well, now, let’s mosey on down the river of time to September 29th, and see what tales it’s got to tell.

First off, we’ve got Saint Michaelmas Day, and I reckon that’s a pretty important feast day. Saint Michael, he’s the archangel, a real celestial heavyweight. Folks used to believe that on this day, he’d weigh the souls of the departed. Now, ain’t that a curious notion?

Now, if we’re talkin’ history, on September 29, 1789, the United States of America saw its first two cabinet departments established: the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of War. They were like the first few bricks in the foundation of Uncle Sam’s house. It’s a reminder of the early days when our nation was still findin’ its footing.

But there’s more to the story. In 1907, a fella by the name of Orville Wright took to the skies at Fort Myer, Virginia. He flew a contraption he and his brother Wilbur had built, and it was the first official powered, controlled, and sustained flight of an aircraft. A couple of bicycle mechanics from Ohio, changin’ the course of history in the blink of an eye.

Now, when it comes to notable folks born on this day, you’ve got none other than the great Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist who played a big role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. His work sure had a profound impact on the course of history.

And as for cultural observances, September 29th might not have its own big holiday, but it’s a day right on the cusp of fall. The leaves start puttin’ on their colorful coats, and folks start thinkin’ ’bout harvest festivals and pumpkins aplenty.

So, there you have it, September 29th, a day with a bit of heavenly ponderin’, a touch of history-makin’, and a hint of autumn in the air. Just goes to show, there’s always somethin’ worth noticin’ in the flow of time.


September 27

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: The Stockton and Darlington Railway in England started chugging along, by Marie-Lynn with Midjourney

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Well, now, September 27th ain’t your ordinary day, I’ll tell ya that much, dear friend. You see, there’s more to this date than meets the eye.

First off, let’s talk about feast days. Now, on September 27th, we’ve got Saint Vincent de Paul‘s feast day. He was a fella who dedicated his life to helping the poor and the needy. A true do-gooder, if you ask me.

Now, as for historical events, on this very day back in 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway in England started chugging along. It was the first public railway to use steam locomotives. Can you imagine the folks back then, watching that iron horse belching smoke and steam? Must’ve been a sight!

Now, when it comes to cultural observances, September 27th might not have a holiday all its own, but it’s right there in the heart of the fall season. Folks start gettin’ ready for Halloween, and the leaves start turnin’ those beautiful shades of red and gold.

So, my friend, there you have it. September 27th, a day with a bit of this and a bit of that, just like life on the ol’ Mississippi River – full of surprises and stories waiting to be told.


September 22

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Frodo and Bilbao Baggins celebrate their birthday, by Marie-Lynn with Midjourney

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well, hang onto your hat, ’cause we’re saddlin’ up for a ride through the significance of September 22, and it’s a day with its own unique charm.

In the Christian calendar, September 22 marks the Feast of St. Maurice and his companions. St. Maurice was a Roman soldier who stood firm in his Christian faith, even in the face of persecution. He’s remembered as a symbol of unwavering devotion to one’s beliefs.

For the lovers of literature, September 22 is an auspicious date, as it’s the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the beloved hobbits created by J.R.R. Tolkien. These little folks took us on grand adventures in the world of Middle-earth, reminding us of the power of imagination.

And if we switch gears to the world of space exploration, September 22 has its own starry significance. It’s the day when NASA’s Pioneer 11 spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn back in 1979, sending back valuable data and images of the ringed planet.

So, September 22, it’s a day when the brave are honored, the fantastical is celebrated, and the mysteries of the cosmos are unveiled. It’s a day to tip your hat to courage, creativity, and the wonders of the universe.


September 20

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Saint Eustace is the patron saint of hunters and firefighters by Marie-Lynn with Midjourney

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well, saddle up, partner, ’cause we’re ridin’ into the significance of September 20, and it’s a tale worth tellin’.

In the Christian calendar, September 20 is the Feast of St. Eustace and his companions. Now, Eustace had quite the adventure. He was a Roman general who had a run-in with a stag with a crucifix between its antlers while out hunting. This miraculous encounter led him to convert to Christianity. So, folks remember him and his journey to faith on this day.

On the literary front, September 20 marks the birthday of Upton Sinclair, a fella known for his muckraking novels. He stirred the pot with works like “The Jungle,” which exposed the gritty underbelly of the meatpacking industry. He was a champion of social justice through his pen.

And in the world of space exploration, September 20 is the day when the United States’ Pioneer 10 spacecraft made history in 1977 by becoming the first human-made object to venture beyond our solar system. It’s a testament to human curiosity and our desire to explore the great unknown.

So, September 20, it’s a day when the hunt for faith, the battle for justice, and the quest for the stars all come together. It’s a day to tip your hat to the adventurers, the truth-seekers, and the pioneers of the past and the present.


September 19

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Cass Elliot, American singer and voice actress known as Mama Cass from the popular band The Mamas and The Papas by Marie-Lynn with MidjourneyAI

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well, hold on to your hat because we’re heading into the significance of September 19, and it’s got its own unique tale to tell.

In the Christian calendar, September 19 brings us the Feast of St. Januarius. Now, Januarius was quite the character. He’s known for a miracle involving his blood, which is said to liquefy when it’s brought out for display. It’s a bit of a puzzler, and folks gather to witness this curious event every year in Naples, Italy.

Now, in the world of science and exploration, September 19 is remembered as the day when Lewis and Clark returned to St. Louis in 1806 after their epic journey exploring the western reaches of the United States. It’s a reminder of the spirit of adventure and discovery that’s woven into the fabric of this great nation. The Corps of Discovery met with a grand reception at St. Louis on September 23. Congress rewarded them with double pay and public land. The captains each received 1,600 acres (650 hectares), and their men received 320 acres (130 hectares).

So, September 19, it’s a day when the blood mystifies, and the spirit of exploration shines bright. It’s a day to celebrate the curious, the creative, and the brave.

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Harvard Club Bans Princess

This bit of fabricated controversy appeared in the New York Times on December 6, 1909. Princess Vilma caused much stir with her feminist operations. Princess Vilma has also declared that she is the cousin of the Dean of Harvard…

“But I haven’t come to see the men; I have come to examine your portraits.”

HARVARD CLUB BARS PRINCESS
Russian Portrait Artist Not Permitted to Enter Its Doors.

The Princess Lwoff-Parlaghy of Russia, who is staying at the Plaza and paints portraits, encountered a rebuff yesterday at the Harvard Club on West Forty-fourth Street. She created a sensation when she arrived in her gilded and colorful crested landau in front of the club in the early afternoon. Young men at the windows observed her footman, adorned with epaulets and cockades, jump from the box and approach the door. He was met by a bellboy who, after much discussion, fetched a member of the House Committee.

This committee member took a visiting card from the Princess, which belonged to a club member, with the following note written on it:
‘Please allow the Princess to inspect the portraits in Harvard Hall.’

The House Committee member stated that this was impossible.
“If you could visit on another day, Princess,” he began.
“But,” she said,
“I have come today,
and I am introduced by a club member’s card.”
“This is a men’s club,” said the member.
“There are only men here.”
“I understand,” replied the Princess,
“But I haven’t come to see the men; I have come to examine your portraits.”

By this time, a crowd had gathered on the other side of the street to witness the incident. Children were marveling at the splendid coachman and footman, and onlookers peered out from all the windows. So, the Princess instructed her coachman, and the glittering landau turned around and rolled away up the avenue.”

Harvard Club remembers Princess Vilma Lwoff Parlaghy and has created this 7-page dossier about her


People featured in this post:


Princess Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy

Her serene Highness - Prolific portraitist of notable Europeans and Americans

September 18

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Joseph of Cupertino, Italian Conventual Franciscan friar who is honored as a Christian mystic and saint by Marie-Lynn with Midjourney

Good Boy in Chief, Bark Twain, explains the day!

Well, now, let’s set our sights on September 18, another day with its own share of significance.

For starters, in the Christian calendar, September 18 is the Feast of St. Joseph of Cupertino. Old Joseph, bless his heart, was a bit of an unusual saint. He’s known for his knack for levitation, which means he had a habit of defying gravity and floating around like a helium balloon. So, folks on this day remember him and his heavenly acrobatics.

In the world of science, September 18 carries some weight too. On this day in 1851, the first issue of The New York Times was published. Now, that’s a newspaper that’s been dishing out the news for well over a century, keeping folks informed about what’s happening in the world.

And if you’re a fan of literature, you might be interested to know that on September 18, 1709, Samuel Johnson was born. He’s the fella who penned that famous dictionary of the English language. He gave us definitions and meanings that still stick around today.

So, September 18, it’s a day when the saints take flight, the presses start rolling, and the wordsmiths get to work. It’s a day to appreciate the quirky and the profound, all rolled into one.