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

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003

Today is the 343rd day of 2003 and the 78th day of autumn.

TODAY'S HISTORY

In 1867, the capital of the Colorado Territory was moved from Golden to Denver.

In 1987, the intifada began in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip.

In 1990, Lech Walesa was elected president of Poland.

In 1992, British Prime Minister John Major announced the separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

John Milton (1608-1674), poet; Emmett Kelly (1898-1979), clown; Jean de Brunhoff (1899-1937), "Babar" books author; Kirk Douglas (1916-), actor, is 87; Redd Foxx (1922-1991), comedian; Judi Dench (1934-), actress, is 69; Dick Butkus (1942-), football player and sportscaster, is 61; Thomas Daschle (1947-), Senate minority leader, is 56; John Malkovich (1953-), actor, is 50.

TODAY'S SPORTS

In 1955, Sugar Ray Robinson knocked out Carl "Bobo" Olsen to regain the middleweight boxing crown.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day." -- John Milton

TODAY'S FACT

The last total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States was in 1979; the next one visible there will not come until Aug. 21, 2017.

TODAY'S NUMBER

22,834 -- height in feet of Mount Aconcagua, tallest peak in the Western Hemisphere.

TODAY'S MOON

Between full moon (Dec. 8) and last quarter (Dec. 16).

Casey Ressler

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