This day in history

[October 27, 2009]  (AP)  Today is Tuesday, Oct. 27, the 300th day of 2009. There are 65 days left in the year.

Today's highlight in history:

On Oct. 27, 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the U.S. Constitution, was published in New York.

On this date:

In 1795, the United States and Spain signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo (also known as "Pinckney's Treaty"), which provided for free navigation of the Mississippi River.

In 1858, the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, was born in New York City.

In 1880, Theodore Roosevelt married his first wife, Alice Lee.

In 1904, the first rapid transit subway, the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT), was inaugurated in New York City.

In 1907, Union Station in Washington, D.C., opened.

In 1922, the first annual celebration of Navy Day took place.

In 1938, Du Pont announced a name for its new synthetic yarn: "nylon."

In 1954, Walt Disney's first television program, entitled "Disneyland" after the yet-to-be completed theme park, premiered on ABC.

In 1969, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake shook Banja Luka, Yugoslavia, killing some 20 people.

In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were named winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord.

Ten years ago: In the first debate of the Democratic presidential race, Al Gore sought to stem his decline in the polls by attacking rival Bill Bradley's health care and spending plans. The U.S. federal budget surplus was put at $123 billion in 1998, marking the first back-to-back surpluses since the 1950's. The New York Yankees captured their second straight World Series sweep, defeating the Atlanta Braves in Game 4, 4-1.

Five years ago: The Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4, 3-0. New York City's subway system marked its 100th anniversary. Bandleader Lester Lanin died in New York at age 97.

One year ago: Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens was convicted in Washington of seven corruption charges for lying about free home renovations and other gifts from a wealthy oil contractor. (A judge later dismissed the case, saying prosecutors had withheld evidence that might have been favorable to Stevens at trial.) The body of singer-actress Jennifer Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was found in an SUV three days after Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in the Chicago home they'd shared. (The estranged husband of Hudson's sister, William Balfour, is charged in the killings.) Umpires halted play in Game 5 of the World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays tied at 2 because of rain. (The game was completed two days later, at which time the Phillies beat the Rays 4-3 to win the Series.)

Today's birthdays: Actress Nanette Fabray is 89. Baseball Hall-of-Famer and sportscaster Ralph Kiner is 87. Actress Ruby Dee is 85. Former Secretary of State Warren M. Christopher is 84. Actor-comedian John Cleese is 70. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 69. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 67. Producer-director Ivan Reitman is 63. Country singer-musician Jack Daniels is 60. Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band) is 60. Author Fran Lebowitz is 59. Rock musician K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) is 58. TV personality Jayne Kennedy is 58. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 57. Actor Peter Firth is 56. Actor Robert Picardo is 56. World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 53. Singer Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) is 51. Musician J.D. McFadden is 45. Rock musician Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 42. Rock singer Scott Weiland is 42. Actor Sean Holland is 41. Actress Sheeri Rappaport is 32. Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 31. Actress-singer Kelly Osbourne is 25.

Thought for today: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary." -- President James Madison (1751-1836)

[Associated Press]

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