There are 101 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
- On Sept. 21, 1938, a hurricane struck parts of New York and New England, causing widespread damage and claiming some 700 lives.
On this date:
- In 1792, the French National Convention voted to abolish the monarchy.
- In 1897, the New York Sun ran its famous editorial that declared, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
- In 1937, "The Hobbit," by J.R.R. Tolkien, was first published.
- In 1948, Milton Berle made his debut as permanent host of "The Texaco Star Theater" on NBC-TV.
- In 1957, Norway's King Haakon VII died in Oslo at age 85.
- In 1970, "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC-TV as the Cleveland Browns defeated the visiting New York Jets, 31-21.
- In 1982, Amin Gemayel, brother of Lebanon's assassinated president-elect, Bashir Gemayel, was himself elected president.
- In 1982, National Football League players began a 57-day strike, their first regular-season walkout ever.
- In 1983, in a speech to the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Interior Secretary James G. Watt jokingly described a special advisory panel as consisting of "a black ... a woman, two Jews and a cripple." (Although Watt later apologized, he eventually resigned.)
- In 1987, NFL players went on a 24-day strike, mainly over the issue of free agency.
Ten years ago:
- President Clinton's videotaped grand jury testimony was publicly broadcast; in it, Clinton tussled with prosecutors over "the truth of my relationship" with Monica Lewinsky.
- Olympic gold medal track star Florence Griffith Joyner was found dead at her home in Mission Viejo, Calif.; she was 38.
- Hurricane Georges roared through Puerto Rico and the northeast Caribbean.
Five years ago:
- Former Citigroup CEO John S. Reed was named temporary head of the New York Stock exchange.
- Paul Martin was elected by Canada's Liberal Party to succeed Jean Chretien as prime minister.
- NASA's aging Galileo spacecraft deliberately plunged into Jupiter's turbulent atmosphere, bringing a fiery conclusion to a 14-year exploration of the solar system's largest planet and its moons.
One year ago:
- One student was mortally wounded, another injured, at Delaware State University. (A suspected gunman has been indicted on a second-degree murder charge.)
- The Rev. Rex Humbard, whose televangelism ministry once spanned the globe, died in Atlantis, Fla., at age 88.
- Tony Award-winning actress Alice Ghostley died in Los Angeles at age 81.
Today's Birthdays:
- Actor Karl Slover ("The Wizard of Oz") is 90.
- Actor Larry Hagman is 77.
- Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 74.
- Actor-comedian Henry Gibson is 73.
- Author-comedian Fannie Flagg is 64.
- Author Stephen King is 61.
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 61.
- Musician Don Felder (The Eagles) is 61.
- Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 58.
- Rock musician Philthy Animal is 54.
- Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 51.
- Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 49.
- Actor David James Elliott is 48.
- Actress Nancy Travis is 47.
- Actor Rob Morrow is 46.
- Actress Cheryl Hines is 43.
- Country singer Faith Hill is 41.
- Rock musician Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) is 41.
- Country singer Ronna Reeves is 40.
- Actress-talk show host Ricki Lake is 40.
- Rapper Dave (De La Soul) is 40.
- Actor James Lesure is 37.
- Actor Alfonso Ribeiro is 37.
- Actor Luke Wilson is 37.
- Actor Paulo Costanzo is 30.
- TV personality Nicole Richie is 27.
- Actress Maggie Grace is 25.
- Actor Joseph Mazzello is 25.
- Actors Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino ("7th Heaven") are 10.
Thought for Today:
"We believe at once in evil, we only believe in good upon reflection. Is this not sad?"
Madame Dorothee Deluzy, French actress (1747-1830).
"Let's all be careful out there!"