1788 - Joseph Gibbs, English composer and organist, dies at 88 1852 - Tsjalling Hiddes Halbertsma, Dutch Frisian merchant, poet, and story teller (Rhymes and Tales), dies at 60 1877 - José de Alencar, Brazilian

1822 - Mexico officially recognized as an independent nation by US 1932 - USSR and China resume diplomatic relations 1955 - The first prototype of the hovercraft is patented by British engineer Christoper Cockerell 1961 -

1889 - Václav Štěpán, Czech pianist and composer, born in Pečky, Austria-Hungary (d. 1944) 1897 - Leonora Summers [Lillian Hill], American vaudeville and silent film actress [Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ; Hoboken To

Historical Events 1969 - Comedy film "The Magic Christian", starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr premieres in London, England 1991 - Tampa Bay Buccaneer Dexter Manley retires after failing drug test 2000 - US Supreme Court

Paul Gallico was on board the RMS "Queen Mary" when it almost capsized in 1937. The haunting experience shaped his best-selling 1969 novel and its 1972 film adaptation

Poor taste? Actually, the flavor of our billionaire sirloin is quite rich. Served with too much butter and a greedy pinch of salt. Inhumane? All our billionaires are free-range, able to travel where they

“You said you’d do it. Do it!” Patty demanded. First, Tanner stared at the mallard’s smooth, storm cloud body as the buoyant bird moved peacefully atop the stream. Then at its metallic green head

969 - Nicephorus Phocas [Nikephoros II Phokas], Byzantine emperor (963-969), assassinated in his sleep at about 57 by his nephew and his wife's lover John Tzimiskes and entourage 1573 - Alardus/Eilard de Waterlant, duke