Peek at the Past: Today in the nation's history

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003

Today is the 280th day of 2003 and the 14th day of autumn.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1816, the first double-decked steamboat arrived in New Orleans.

On this day in 1982, "Cats," a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened on Broadway.

On this day in 2001, American war planes began dropping bombs on the people of Afghanistan following the Taliban's refusal to hand over Osama Bin Laden.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Amiri Baraka (1934-), poet and dramatist, is 69; John Mellencamp (1951-), singer and songwriter, is 52; Yo-Yo Ma (1955-), cellist, is 48; Simon Cowell (1959-) TV personality, is 44.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1952, the New York Yankees won the World Series for the fourth time in a row. They defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 4-2 in game seven.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning." -- Simon Cowell, on "American Idol"

TODAY'S MOON

Between first quarter (Oct. 2) and full moon (Oct. 10).

Casey Ressler

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