Today is the 272nd day of 2012 and the seventh day of autumn.
TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1066, William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy, invaded England.
In 1972, Japan and China agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations.
In 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the pregnancy-terminating drug RU-486 after a 12-year controversy.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Ed Sullivan (1901-1974), TV personality; Al Capp (1909-1979), cartoonist; Marcello Mastroianni (1924-1996), actor; Brigitte Bardot (1934- ), actress; Ben E. King (1938- ), singer; Janeane Garofalo (1964- ), comedian/actress; Naomi Watts (1968- ), actress.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1941, Ted Williams hit 6-for-8 in a doubleheader to finish the season with a batting average over .400 (.406), a feat no player since has accomplished.
TODAY'S FACT: William the Conqueror rose to power despite early controversy that he was an illegitimate child. He was also known as "William the Bastard" before his conquest of England.
TODAY'S QUOTE: "Perhaps one has to be very old before one learns to be amused rather than shocked." -- Pearl S. Buck
TODAY'S NUMBER: 23 -- age at which future "Li'l Abner" cartoonist Al Capp became the youngest syndicated cartoonist in the United States.
TODAY'S MOON: Between first quarter (Sept. 22) and full moon (Sept. 29).