California: became the
31st state, under the Compromise
of 1850
Open Era: of tennis began; Arthur Ashe won the first US Open (1968)
Mao Tse-tung: Communist Chinese leader died in Beijing; successor Deng Xiaoping
introduced economic reforms and stronger ties with the West (1976)
Today's Birthdays
Harland Sanders: founder of KFC (1890-1980)
Otis Redding: soul singer (1941-1967)
Adam Sandler: goofy yet lovable Wedding Singer star (40)
Michelle Williams: actress, Dawson's Creek, Brokeback Mountain (26)
A Little Bit of Current Events
Spotlight: It's been a half-century since Elvis Presley made his first TV appearance, on The Ed Sullivan Show, on this date in 1956. "The King of Rock 'n Roll" went on to appear twice more on Sullivan's show, where he was photographed from the waist up so the world wouldn't see his gyrating hips. That same year Presley released "Heartbreak Hotel," which would become his first million-selling hit, and he made his first film, Love Me Tender. Also in 1956: Elvis' fan club produced the first T-shirt with a rock likeness.
Quote: "Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you
have it, you have it all over." ?Elvis Presley
seven dwarves: better-known to Americans than the Supreme Court justices (story)
Spotlight: Michael Bloomberg: NYC mayor donates $125 million of own money to fight smoking worldwide (story)