Today is the 260th day of 2012 and the 89th day of summer.
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TODAY'S HISTORY: In 1920, a bomb explosion on Wall Street killed 30 people and injured hundreds more.
In 1940, Democrat Samuel Rayburn of Texas was elected to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives.
In 1955, Argentine president Juan Peron was ousted by a military coup.
In 1974, President Gerald Ford announced a conditional amnesty program for Vietnam War deserters and draft evaders.
TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Lauren Bacall (1924- ), actress; B.B. King (1925- ), musician; Peter Falk (1927-2011), actor; Henry Louis Gates Jr. (1950- ), writer/academic; Mickey Rourke (1952- ), actor; David Copperfield (1956- ), magician; Molly Shannon (1964- ), actress; Marc Anthony (1968- ), singer; Amy Poehler (1971- ), actress; Nick Jonas (1992- ), singer/musician.
TODAY'S SPORTS: In 1988, Tim Browning pitched a perfect game for the Cincinnati Reds, in a one-run victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
TODAY'S FACT: Samuel Rayburn was the longest-serving speaker of the House of Representatives in American history. He served almost 17 (non-consecutive) years (1940-47; 1949-1953; 1955-1961).
TODAY'S QUOTE: "History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion." -- Gerald Ford
TODAY'S NUMBER: 248 -- Medals of Honor awarded to American military members for service during the Vietnam War.
TODAY'S MOON: Between new moon (Sept. 15) and first quarter (Sept. 22).