Friday, December 5, 1997
Today's events
The 5th China International Environmental Protection
Exhibition and Conference opens in Beijing.
The United Nations holds an International Volunteer Day for
Economic and Social Development.
A national parliamentary inquiry into the World War II
sinking of HMAS Sydney off the Western Australia coast opens
in Canberra.
Opposition left-wing politician Cuauhtemoc
Cardenas is scheduled to be sworn in as mayor of Mexico City.
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On the horizon
On Saturday, December 6, about 50 heads of state are expected
to attend the Organization
of the Islamic Conference summit in Tehran.
On Sunday, December 7, the Eleventh International Conference
on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa opens.
On Monday. December 8, amnesty hearings resume into the death
in detention of black consciousness activist Steve Biko in
South Africa.
On Tuesday, December 9, the Steering Board of Bosnia's Peace
Implementation Council meets in Germany.
On Wednesday, December 10, the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize is
presented in Oslo.
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On this day
In 1776, Phi Beta Kappa, the first American scholastic
fraternity, was founded.
In 1782, eighth U.S. President Martin Van Buren was born.
In 1839, U.S. military officer George Custer was born.
In 1908, numerals were first used on football uniforms worn
by college football players. The University of Pittsburgh
Panthers proudly displayed their new numbers in a game with
Washington and Jefferson.
In 1933, the United States repealed Prohibition with the
ratification of the 21st Amendment.
In 1936, Bing Crosby took over as host of "The Kraft Music
Hall."
In 1955, the labor union AFL-CIO was founded.
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Newslink
Sixty-four years ago, the United States ended Prohibition, much to the distress of groups like the Anti-Saloon League. For a glimpse into the dry days, check out Ohio State University's Prohibition project.
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Holidays and more
It's Farmers Day in Ghana.
Haiti celebrates Discovery Day.
It's Flag Day in Netherlands Antilles.
Thailand celebrates the king's birthday.
Actress Morgan Brittany is 47.
Actress Margaret Cho is 29.
Author Joan Didion is 63.
Actress Carrie Hamilton is 34.
Actor Jeroen Krabbe is 53.
Singer Jim Messina is 50.
Singer Chad Mitchell is 61.
Football player Art Monk is 40.
U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond is 95.
Author Calvin Trillin is 62.
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Sources: Associated Press,
Chase's Calendar of Events 1997, J.P. Morgan
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