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

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003

Today is the 350th day of 2003 and the 85th day of autumn.

TODAY'S HISTORY

In 1653, Oliver Cromwell became "Lord Protector" of England.

In 1773, patriots in Massachusetts held the famous "Boston Tea Party."

In 1835, a huge fire destroyed nearly 700 buildings in New York City.

In 1976, President Jimmy Carter appointed Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), composer; Jane Austen (1775-1817), novelist; Sir Noel Coward (1899-1973), playwright; Steven Bochco (1943-), TV producer, is 60.

TODAY'S SPORTS

In 1973, in a game against the New York Jets, O.J. Simpson became the first NFL player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Art demands of us that we shall not stand still." -- Ludwig van Beethoven.

TODAY'S FACT

U.S. commemorative state quarters to be released in 2004 are for Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin.

TODAY'S NUMBER

3.5 million -- approximate area in square miles of the Sahara, the world's largest desert.

TODAY'S MOON

Last quarter (Dec. 16)

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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