July 11th


1346: Charles IV of Luxembourg is elected emperor of the Holy Roman Empire... a feat somewhat dampened by the fact that a stable boy from Brussels came in a close second.


1405: Ming admiral Zheng He sets sail to explore the world for the first time... but he has to return three days later when he realizes he forgot his American Express travellers checks.


1995: Full diplomatic relations are established between the United States, Vietnam, and the guys who produced "Rambo."