About UPI  |  UPI en Español   |   My Account
Free News Update:
United Press International - News. Analysis. Insight.™ - 100 Years of Journalistic Excellence
  • Home
  • Top News
  • Entertainment
  • Odd News
  • Sports
    • Baseball
    • Football
    • Golf
    • Olympics 2008
    • Tennis
  • Business
  • Science
  • Health
  • Analysis
    • Energy Resources
    • Security Industry
    • Emerging Threats
  • Media
    • Video
    • News Photos
  • Features
    • The Voice of Young Voters
    • Path to the Presidency
    • Energy
    • Beijing Olympics 2008
Search:
Go
You are here:  Home / Odd News / The almanac

Odd News

View archive | RSS Feed

The almanac

By United Press International
Published: July 26, 2008 at 3:30 AM
Order reprints  |  Print Story  |  Email to a Friend  |  Post a Comment
Today is Saturday, July 26, the 208th day of 2008 with 158 to follow.

The moon is waning. The morning stars are Neptune, Mercury and Uranus. The evening stars are Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn.

Those born on this date are under the sign of Leo. They include artist George Catlin, painter of American Indian scenes, in 1796; playwright Bernard Shaw' title='George Bernard Shaw' class='tpstyle'>George Bernard Shaw in 1856; Carl Jung, founder of analytic psychology, in 1875; novelist Aldous Huxley in 1894; U.S. Sen. Estes Kefauver, D-Tenn., who led the 1950-51 Senate investigation of organized crime, in 1903; comedian Gracie Allen in 1895; actress Vivian Vance in 1909; Erskine Hawkins, trumpet, band leader, in 1914; actor Jason Robards in 1922 and movie producer Blake Edwards in 1922 (age 86); filmmaker Stanley Kubrick in 1928; storyteller Jean Shepherd in 1921; rock star Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones in 1943 (age 65); actress Helen Mirren in 1945 (age 63); tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis in 1954; and actors Kevin Spacey in 1959 (age 49) and Sandra Bullock in 1964 (age 44).


On this date in history:

In 1847, Liberia became a republic and Africa's first sovereign, black-ruled democratic nation.

In 1908, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was born when a group of newly hired investigators were ordered to report to the Justice Department. It didn't become the FBI officially until 1935.

In 1941, U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur was named commander of U.S. forces in the Philippines.

In 1956, Egypt created a crisis by nationalizing the British and French-owned Suez Canal.

In 1984, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" became the first network television show to be broadcast in stereo.

In 1990, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 408-18 to reprimand Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., for actions he took on behalf of a male prostitute.

In 1992, under pressure, Iraq backed down and agreed to allow a U.N. inspection team to look for documentation on weapons of mass destruction.

Also in 1992, Motown singer/songwriter Mary Wells died of cancer at age 49.

In 1994, Congress opened hearings into the Whitewater affair, an Arkansas land deal involving U.S. President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton.

In 1995, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would end U.S participation in the arms embargo against the Bosnian government.

In 2003, about 100 heavily armed gunmen believed to be rogue soldiers seized a large mall complex in Manila's financial district.

In 2004, an Egyptian diplomat held hostage by militants in Iraq for three days was released after successful negotiations.

In 2005, the United States roared back into space as the shuttle Discovery lifted off from Cape Canaveral in the first launch since the 2003 Columbia tragedy.

In 2006, the Bush administration drafted a bill that would allow hearsay evidence to be used in terrorism trials unless it was found to be "unreliable."

In 2007, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed anti-terrorism legislation that enhances screening of air and sea cargo and allocates more funds to states deemed at risk of attack.


A thought for the day: Matthew Arnold wrote, "The free thinking of one age is the common sense of the next."

RATE THIS ARTICLE
    Poor    1    2    3    4    5  Excellent    
Feedback


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment. No Registration Required.
News Photos Slideshows
Photos of the Day
Week in Photos
News
Entertainment
Sports
Features
Archives
Olympics 2008
Path to the Presidency
Additional News Stories
Entertainment News
  • Lisa Marie Presley has twins
  • Police: Model survives robbery shooting
  • Barker issues online thank-you to fans
  • Iranian actress's attire draws Muslim ire
  • Reggae singer Ellis dead at age 70
Odd News
  • Your Daily Horoscope
  • The almanac
  • New Web site locates NYC toilets
  • Great pumpkin tops 1,568 pounds
  • Biggest hardwood tree found in Tasmania
Top News
  • Norbert weakens over Mexico; Odile coming
  • Napa Valley wildfire close to containment
  • Father of backpacker thinks she was killed
  • Israel religious rioting enters fifth day
  • GOP: McCain needs consistent message
Business News
  • 'Eurozone' summit aims for united response
  • Source: VW targeting unprofitable sites
  • Branson: Guarantee bank deposits
  • Cerberus considering GMAC buyout
  • Ford reportedly rejected GM merger
Best of Odd News
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
UPI Features - The Voice of Young Voters
Most Popular
Stories
Photos
Videos
People
1.
Couple told too heavy for plane take off
2.
Mom denies daughter's Elvis sister claim
3.
Watermelon-eating dog prompts stabbing
4.
Palin bloodlines lead to Canada
5.
Newsweek cover angers Palin supporters




Videos
Enlarge Video
Reaction: Does peace have a prize?
Reaction: Does peace have a prize?
Friday, October 10
From Wall Street to a Maryland Main Street
From Wall Street to a Maryland Main Street
Friday, October 10
Debate #2: The economy
Debate #2: The economy
Friday, October 10
Economics vs. foreign policy in the media
Economics vs. foreign policy in the media
Thursday, October 9
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Official Government Wires  |   About UPI  |   Site Map  |   Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy  |   Advertise Online  |   Contact Us

Sponsored Links: Auto Dealers - College Football Tickets - Fundraisers - Press Release Services - prom dresses - Prom dresses and gowns - Public Records - Wedding and Honeymoon Experts - Motivational Sports Speakers Bureau