Thursday, September 28, 2006

Spotlight
The Norman conquest of England began 940 years ago today, in 1066, as forces of Normandy led by William the Conqueror landed at Pevensey, England. William had been the designated successor of Edward the Confessor, but Harold II was crowned king instead. William's fight for the crown ended victoriously with the Battle of Hastings, in October 1066; Harold II died in the battle. William was crowned king in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.

Quote
"A peace is of the nature of a conquest, For then both parties nobly are subdued, And neither party loser." — William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2

Word of the day
codswallop -- [slang, chiefly Brit.] nonsense, drivel, rubbish (© )

Today's News

• diabetes: many women at risk without knowing it (story)
• 7-11: dropping Citgo as gasoline supplier due to anti-Bush remarks by Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez (story)
• trans fats: may be banned in all NYC restaurants (story)
• Mona Lisa: was likely pregnant or postpartum when she posed for painting (story)
• television: US networks encouraged by fall premiere week's ratings (story)

Today's History

• California: Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who landed at San Diego Bay, became the first European to visit (1542)
• RU 486: abortion pill was approved for US use by the FDA (2000)

Today's Birthdays

• Marcello Mastroianni: Italian actor, La Dolce Vita (1924-1996)
• Brigitte Bardot: French actress (72)
• Janeane Garofalo: actress and comedienne (42)
• Gwyneth Paltrow: star of Shakespeare in Love (34)
• Bam Margera: skateboarder/actor/prankster (27)
• Hilary Duff: actress and singer (19)