Today in history

Today is the 42nd day of 2023 and the 53rd day of winter.

Today’s history: In 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin concluded their conference in Yalta, on the Crimean Peninsula.

n In 1990, anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was released from prison in South Africa after 27 years.

n In 2011, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ceded power in response to mass protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, bringing nearly 30 years of rule to a close.

n In 2013, the Vatican announced Pope Benedict XVI’S intention to step down as leader of the Catholic Church.

Today’s fact: In 1970, Japan successfully launched its first satellite, becoming the world’s fourth space power after the Soviet Union in 1957, the United States in 1958 and France in 1965.

Today’s sports: In 1990, Buster Douglas knocked out undisputed heavyweight champion and 42-1 betting favorite Mike Tyson in the 10th round of their match in Tokyo, completing one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Today’s quote: “I saw no reason why childhood shouldn’t last forever. So I created clothes that worked and moved and allowed people to run, to jump, to leap, to retain their precious freedom.” — Mary Quant

Today’s number: 21 — age at which Thomas Edison applied for his first patent, for an “Electric Vote Recorder.”

Birthdays

Thomas Edison (1847-1931), inventor; Max Baer (19091959), boxer; Eva Gabor (1919-1995), actress; Leslie Nielsen (1926-2010), actor; Mary Quant (1934- ), fashion designer; Burt Reynolds (1936-2018), actor; Sheryl Crow (1962- ), singer-songwriter; Jennifer Aniston (1969- ), actress; Damian Lewis (1971- ), actor; Kelly Rowland (1981- ), singer; Natalie Dormer (1982- ), actress; Khalid (1998- ), singer-songwriter.