Happy Birthday, Earl

We owe Basil Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich, a huge debt; it was he who invented, or at least popularized, the sandwich.

The legend goes that he was at a gaming table and didn't want to interrupt his winning streak to eat, so he ordered some meat to be clapped between two slices of bread and ate it while he played.

He went on to do some other notable things, such as supporting Captain James Cook's explorations (and having the Sandwich Islands named after him as a reward), serving as First Lord of the Admiralty a couple of times, not to mention Postmaster General, but all that pales in comparison to his enduring legacy, the sandwich.

Today is his 291st birthday; eat a sandwich today in his honor.