Sunday, April 9, 2006

Spotlight
On this date in 1959, NASA announced the selection of America's first seven astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Donald Slayton. Part of the "Mercury Program," Shepard was the first American in space and Glenn was the first to orbit the earth. A heart condition prevented Slayton from going into space until 1975.

Quote
"When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward: for there you have been and there you will always be." -- Henry Van Dyke

Holiday
Palm Sunday

Today in History

• US Civil War: Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox (1865)
• Saddam Hussein: statue toppled in Baghdad, signifying end of Baath regime (2003)
• Prince Charles: married Camilla Parker-Bowles (2005)

Today's Birthdays

• Gregory Pincus: endocrinologist who helped develop the pill (1903-1967)
• Cynthia Nixon: Emmy winner for Sex and the City (40)
• Jesse McCartney: singer, Beautiful Soul (19)

Word of the Day
 exobiology: the search for extraterrestrial life and its effect on living organisms   (© )