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

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004

Today is the 41st day of 2004 and the 51st day of winter.

TODAY'S HISTORY:

In 1763, the Seven Years War, known in the United States as the French and Indian War, ended with the Treaty of Paris.

In 1840, Britain's Queen Victoria married Prince Albert.

In 1904, Russia and Japan declared war, launching the Russo-Japanese War.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS:

Charles Lamb (1775-1824), writer; Boris Pasternak (1890-1960), writer; Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), comedian; Mark Spitz (1950-), swimmer, is 54; Laura Dern (1967-), actress, is 37.

TODAY'S SPORTS:

In 1990, Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in what has been called the greatest upset in boxing history.

TODAY'S QUOTE:

"This is my motto: Contented with little, yet wishing for more." — Charles Lamb

TODAY'S FACT:

The highest-rated single TV show in history was the last episode of "MASH," seen by 60.2 percent of TV-owning households, or 50 million households, on Feb. 28, 1983.

TODAY'S NUMBER:

680 — The diameter in feet of the Superdome in New Orleans, the world's largest dome.

TODAY'S MOON:

Between full moon (Feb. 6) and last quarter (Feb. 13)

Valley Life editor:

Casey Ressler

valleylife@

frontiersman.

com

(907) 352-2265