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

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Today is the 196th day of 2003 and the 25th day of summer.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1922, New York City's Bronx Zoo opened its platypus exhibit to the public. The star of the show was the first platypus to be exhibited in the United States.

On this day in 1933, Wiley Hardeman Post set off on the first round-the-world solo airplane flight.

On this day in 1997, Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot and killed on the steps outside his Miami mansion by Andrew Cunanan.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), artist; Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), religious worker; Iris Murdoch (1919-1999), writer; Linda Ronstadt (1946-), singer, is 57; Forest Whitaker (1961-), actor and director, is 42; Brigitte Nielsen (1963-), actress, is 40.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1952, Walt Dropo ended his hitting streak of 12 consecutive hits, tying the major league record set by Mike Higgins in 1938.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us." -- Iris Murdoch.

TODAY'S MOON

Between full moon (July 13) and last quarter (July 21).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

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