This day in history

[December 20, 2008]  (AP)  Today is Saturday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2008. There are 11 days left in the year.

Today's highlight in history:

On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.

On this date:

In 1790, the first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, R.I.

In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union.

In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1st, 1946.

In 1963, the Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays.

In 1968, author John Steinbeck died in New York at age 66.

In 1976, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley died at age 74.

In 1978, former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman was released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up.

In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Dona Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.

In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.

In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded couples.

Ten years ago: Nkem Chukwu gave birth in Houston to five girls and two boys, 12 days after giving birth to another child, a girl. (However, the tiniest of the octuplets died a week later.)

Five years ago: Spain's prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, paid a surprise visit to Spanish soldiers in Iraq. Friends and relatives of Michael Jackson descended on his Neverland Ranch to show their support for the entertainer as he fought child molestation charges (Jackson was later acquitted).

One year ago: Police used chemical spray and stun guns on protesters outside a New Orleans City Council meeting where members unanimously supported demolition of 4,500 public housing units for redevelopment. Thieves broke into the Sao Paulo Museum of Art in Brazil and made off with paintings by Pablo Picasso and Candido Portinari. A British judge acquitted the only man charged with murder in Northern Ireland's deadliest terror attack: the 1998 car bombing that killed 29 people in the town of Omagh. Utah opened the bowl season with a wild 35-32 victory over the Navy Midshipmen in the Poinsettia Bowl.

Today's birthdays: Actress Audrey Totter is 91. Comedian Charlie Callas is 81. Actor John Hillerman is 76. Actress Kathryn Joosten is 69. Rock musician-music producer Bobby Colomby is 64. Rock musician Peter Criss is 63. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 62. Producer Dick Wolf ("Law & Order") is 62. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 60. Actress Jenny Agutter is 56. Actor Michael Badalucco is 54. Actress Blanche Baker is 52. Rock singer Billy Bragg is 51. Rock singer-musician Mike Watt (The Secondmen, Minutemen, fIREHOSE) is 51. Country singer Kris Tyler is 44. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 42. Actress Nicole deBoer is 38. Singer David Cook ("American Idol") is 26. Actor Jonah Hill is 25. Singer JoJo is 18.

Thought for today: "There are two days in the week about which and upon which I never worry. Two carefree days, kept sacredly free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday. ... And the other ... is Tomorrow." -- Robert Jones Burdette, American clergyman and author (1844-1914)

[Associated Press]

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