ED DANAHUE

On this day in 1879, Thomas Edison gave his first demonstration of incandescent lighting to an audience in Menlo Park, NJ.

On this day in 1961,  the U.S. Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid.

Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins is80 years old today.

Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins is best known for his portrayal of the serial
killer Hannibal Lecter, a role that won him the Academy Award for Best
Actor.

1991

Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter.

ED DANAHUE

Saddam Hussein was executed on this day in 2006.

About 600 people died on this day in 1903 when fire broke out at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, IL.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed on this
day in 1922. Vladimir Lenin (above) proclaimed the establishment.

The United Auto Workers union staged its first sit-down strike, at the Fisher Body Plant in Flint, MI. on this day in 1936.

On this day in 1948, the musical "Kiss Me Kate" opened at the New Century Theatre in New York City. Cole Porter composed the music
for the classic play that ran for 1,077 performances.

Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison, and Julie Wilson.

Bo Diddley  (Ellas Otha Bates)  (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008)

Singer, guitarist, songwriter and music producer Bo Diddley  who played a
key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many
artists, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones with his 
use of African rhythms and a signature beat.

ROSS SIMPSON

On this day in 1979, Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan
and Babrak Karmal succeeded President Hafizullah Amin, who
was overthrown and executed. 

On this day in 1831, Charles Darwin set out on a voyage to the Pacific aboard the HMS Beagle (above). Darwin’s discoveries during the trip 
helped him form the basis of his theories on evolution.

NYC is home to the largest movie theater in the world: Radio
City Music Hall. It opened in Rockefeller Center on this day
1932.

James Barrie’s play "Peter Pan" premiered in London on this day
in 1904.

Sir James Matthew Barrie (May 9, 1860 – June 19, 1937)

SANDY KOZEL

On this day in 1776, Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed
the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, NJ.

Map of Delaware River area depicting route George Washington
and his Army made during the crossing. (click to enlarge)

On this day in 1991, Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev went on television to announce his resignation as leader of a Communist superpower that had already gone out of existence.

On this day in 1989, ousted Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu
and his wife, Elena, were executed following a popular uprising.

"Silent Night" was performed for the first time, at the Church of
St. Nikolaus in Oberndorff, Austria (above) on this day in 1818.

Josephus Franciscus Mohr (December 11, 1792 – December 4, 1848)

MIKE GRACIA

On this day in 1773, nearly 350 chests of tea were dumped into
Boston Harbor off of British ships by Colonial patriots. The
patriots were disguised as Indians. The act was to protest
taxation without representation and the monopoly the
government granted to the East India Company.

During World War II, the Battle of the Bulge began in Belgium on
this day in 1944. It was the final major German counteroffensive
in the war.

Ludwig van Beethoven (December 16, 1770 – March 26, 1827)

Beethoven bridged the gap between Classical and Romantic music with
his symphonies, concertos, and sonatas despite losing his hearing. His
most famous compositions included "Für Elise," the "Moonlight Sonata,"
and the Ninth Symphony.