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

Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Today is the 175th day of 2003 and the fourth day

of summer.

TODAY'S HISTORY

On this day in 1497, navigator and explorer John Cabot reached the east coast of North America and claimed the land for England.

On this day in 1947, a pilot from Boise, Idaho, described a "saucer"-shaped object above Washington state's Mount Rainier, thus coining the term "flying saucer."

On this day in 1964, the Federal Trade Commission announced that, beginning in 1965, all cigarette packages would be required to have a message for consumers warning them about the health dangers of smoking.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), clergyman; Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914), satirist; Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), boxer; Norman Cousins (1915-1990), editor and writer; John Ciardi (1916-1986), poet and critic; Billy Casper (1931-), golfer, is 72; Mick Fleetwood (1942-), musician, is 61.

TODAY'S SPORTS

On this day in 1971, the National Basketball Association modified its four-year rule and allowed college players who were "hardship cases" to join the league. Under the former rule, a player could not be signed or drafted until the player's college class had graduated.

TODAY'S QUOTE

"Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate." -- Ambrose Bierce

TODAY'S MOON

Between last quarter (June 21) and new moon (June 29).

Casey Ressler

Valley Life editor

352-2265 -- Phone

352-2276 -- Fax

valleylife@frontiersman.com

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