Things you didn’t know about today

9 December 2008 by Libbi.

From the AP Wire:
Today’s Highlight in History:

Four hundred years ago, on Dec. 9, 1608, English poet John Milton was born in London.

On this date:

In 1854, Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” was published in England.

In 1892, “Widowers’ Houses,” Bernard Shaw’s first play, opened at the Royalty Theater in London.

In 1940, British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II.

In 1941, China declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy.

In 1942, the Aram Khachaturian ballet “Gayane,” featuring the surging “Saber Dance,” was first performed by the Kirov Ballet.

In 1958, the anti-communist John Birch Society was formed in Indianapolis.

In 1965, Nikolai V. Podgorny replaced Anastas I. Mikoyan as president of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet.

In 1987, the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began as riots broke out in Gaza and spread to the West Bank, triggering a strong Israeli counter-response.

In 1990, Solidarity founder Lech Walesa won Poland’s presidential runoff by a landslide.

In 1992, Britain’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation. (The couple’s divorce became final Aug. 28, 1996.)

Ten years ago: Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee drew up four proposed articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, all stemming from his sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky and long campaign to cover it up.

Five years ago: The owners of a Rhode Island nightclub and the tour manager for the rock band Great White were indicted on charges related to a fire the previous February that killed 100 people. A suicide bomber killed five victims outside an exclusive Moscow hotel. Former Vice President Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination. Former Sen. Paul Simon died in Springfield, Ill., at age 75.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Kirk Douglas is 92. Actor Dick Van Patten is 80. Actor-writer Buck Henry is 78. Actress Dame Judi Dench is 74. Actor Beau Bridges is 67. Jazz singer-musician Dan Hicks is 67. Football Hall-of-Famer Dick Butkus is 66.  Actor Michael Dorn is 56. Actor John Malkovich is 55. Country singer Sylvia is 52. Singer/game show host Donny Osmond is 51.  Actress Felicity Huffman is 46.  Actress Allison Smith is 39. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi is 38.

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