Slideshow: Today In History, Dec. 19
Today is Friday, Dec. 19.
Today's Highlight in History:
1843: "A Christmas Carol"
In 1843, "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, was first published in England.
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS
1946: Ho Chi Minh
In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.
1961: Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.
In 1961, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (center), 73, suffered a debilitating stroke while in Palm Beach, Florida.
1972: Apollo 17
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.
1974: Nelson A. Rockefeller
On Dec. 19, 1974, Nelson A. Rockefeller (far right) was sworn in as the 41st vice president of the United States in the U.S. Senate chamber by Chief Justice Warren Burger with President Gerald R. Ford looking on (in a first for the Senate, the proceeding was televised live).
1998: Bill Clinton
In 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice (he was subsequently acquitted by the Senate).
2013: Target Breach
One year ago: Discount retailer Target announced that data connected to about 40 million credit and debit card accounts had been stolen as part of a breach that began over the Thanksgiving weekend.
2013: Apollo Theatre
One year ago: The ceiling partially collapsed onto a packed audience at the Apollo Theatre in London, injuring almost 80 people, seven of them seriously.
Birthday: Jake Gyllenhaal
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 34.
Birthday: Tyson Beckford
Model Tyson Beckford is 44.
Birthday: Ken Marino
Actor Ken Marino is 46.
Birthday: Cicely Tyson
Actress Cicely Tyson is 90.
Birthday: Warren Sapp
Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 42.
Birthday: Jennifer Beals
Actress Jennifer Beals is 51.
Birthday: Kristy Swanson
Actress Kristy Swanson is 45.
Birthday: Lee Myung-bak
Former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is 73.
Birthday: Criss Angel
Magician Criss Angel is 47.
Birthday: Richard Leakey
Paleontologist Richard E. Leakey is 70.
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