January 20 Birthday
January 20 gave us Edgar Allan Poe, who invented the detective story with "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and pioneered the modern horror tale. He lived in poverty, died mysteriously at 40, and never knew his influence. Also born this day: Buzz Aldrin, the second human to walk on the moon. Aldrin has been candid about his struggles with depression and alcoholism after Apollo 11, a reminder that reaching the pinnacle of human achievement does not protect you from the weight of ordinary life. People born on January 20 fall under the zodiac sign of Aquarius. The birthstone is Garnet and the birth flower is Carnation. Historical events on January 20 include 1265: First English Parliament summoned, 1930: First radio broadcast from Antarctica, 1981: Iran releases 52 American hostages. Famous people born on January 20 include Edgar Allan Poe (1809), Buzz Aldrin (1930), David Lynch (1946).