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

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002

Today is the 295th day of 2002 and the 31st day of fall.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1797, the first successful parachute descent was made by Andre-Jacques Garnerin. He jumped from a hydrogen balloon nearly 3,000 feet above Paris.

On this day in 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis formally began with a television speech by President John F. Kennedy announcing that U.S. spy planes had discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba.

On this day in 1975, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, was given a "general" discharge after publicly declaring his homosexuality.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Franz Liszt (1811-1886), composer; Timothy Leary (1920-1996), psychologist and counterculture figure; Tony Roberts (1939-), actor, is 63; Catherine Deneuve (1943-), actress, is 59; Brian Boitano (1963-), figure skater, is 39.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1972, the Oakland A's won the World Series by defeating the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in the seventh game.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"If you don't like what you're doing, you can always pick up your needle and move to another groove." -- Timothy Leary

TODAY'S MOON

Between full moon (Oct. 21) and last quarter (Oct. 29).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

352-2265

Phone

352-2276

Fax

valleylife@frontiersman.com

E-mail