Days gone by Nov. 7, 2009

Thought for today: Examine what is said, not him who speaks — Arab proverb.

Today’s birthdays: Marie Curie, French scientist (1867-1934); Leon Trotsky, Russian revolutionary, (1879-1940); Billy Graham, U.S. evangelist (1918--); Joan Sutherland, Australian soprano (1926--); Joni Mitchell, Canadian folk singer (1943--); Christopher Knight, U.S. actor (1957--).

Today is: Saturday, November 7, the 311th day of 2008. There are 54 days left in the year.

Highlights in history on this date: In 1659, Peace of the Pyrenees is reached between Spain and France.
In 1733, Spain and France sign the Treaty of Escurial and form an alliance against England.
In 1874, the Republican Party is symbolized as an elephant in a cartoon drawn by Thomas Nast in Harper’s Weekly magazine.
In 1916, Republican Jeannette Rankin of Montana becomes the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
In 1917, Bolsheviks seize the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg during the October Revolution. According to the Julian calendar, still in use in Russia, the date was October 25.
In 1919, socialists depose the king of Bavaria, ending the rule of one of Europe’s oldest dynasties, and proclaim a republic.
In 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented fourth term as President, defeating Thomas E. Dewey.