Sunday, December 28, 2003

 

Spotlight: Topic of the Day: 58 years ago today, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and recommended its recitation in classrooms.

Quote: "From this day forward, the millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty."
--On signing law for inclusion of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Word of the day: trencherman -- a hearty eater (© )

Today's News:

• Iraq -- at least 13 killed in rebel attacks (story)
• China -- gas leak sealed after killing 198 (story)
• Iran -- earthquake toll could reach 40,000 (story)

Today's History:

• Spain -- recognized the independence of Mexico (1836)
• Chewing gum -- patented by William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, OH (1869)
• Cyrano de Bergerac -- Edmond Rostand play premiered in Paris (1897)

Today's Birthdays:

• Woodrow Wilson -- World War I president (1856-1924)
• Denzel Washington -- star of Malcom X and Training Day turns 49
• Linus Torvalds -- guy who wrote the kernel for the Linux Operating System turns 34