Thursday, March 2, 2006

Spotlight
Morocco gained its independence from France fifty years ago today. The Berbers first inhabited the region, and Arabs conquered the country. In the late 19th century, Spain and France became more interested in the area of Morocco and, in 1912, the Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France. Casablanca is the country's largest city and its economic capital; Rabat is the political capital.

Quote
"Morocco as it is, is a very fine place spoiled by civilization." – Richard H. Davis

Word of the day
minaret: the tower on a mosque that has a balcony from which the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer; the world's tallest minaret is on the Hassan II Mosque, in Casablanca. (© )

Today's News

• Pakistan: US official killed in Karachi bombing, President Bush says (story)
• Saddam Hussein: wonders what he did wrong (story)
• First Amendment: "What's that?" ask Americans (story)
• Howard Stern: shock jock is sued for breach of contract (story)

Today's History

• Puerto Rico: became a US territory and its residents became US citizens (1917)
• Bill of Rights: was finally ratified by Massachusetts, 147 years after having gone into effect (1939)
• B-50 Superfortress: became the first craft to fly around the world nonstop (1949)

Today's Birthdays

• Dr. Seuss: aka Theodor Geisel, author of The Cat In the Hat (1904-1991)
• Jon Bon Jovi: musician with Bon Jovi, actor (44)
• Chris Martin: frontman for Coldplay (29)