Today's Trivia and What Happened on June 11

A nerdy mathematician was riding his Segway in a circle when he realized his outer wheel was traveling twice as fast as his inner wheel. If the wheels are 20″ apart, what was the diameter of the outer wheel's track?

A nerdy mathematician was riding his Segway in a circle when he realized his outer wheel was traveling twice as fast as his inner wheel. If the wheels are 20″ apart, what was the diameter of the outer wheel's track? Close Large View

A nerdy mathematician was riding his Segway in a circle when he realized his outer wheel was traveling twice as fast as his inner wheel. If the wheels are 20″ apart, what was the diameter of the outer wheel's track?

For the outer wheel to go twice as fast as the inner, the circumference of the outer track must be twice that of the inner track. A circular track's circumference is directly proportional to its radius. We know that the distance between the inner and outer tracks is 20″, therefore for the outer radius to be twice the inner radius, the inner radius must also be 20″.
20″ + 20″ = 40″ radius for the outer track, or 80″ diameter.

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Quote: Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. - Bil Keane (Creator of The Family Circus)

Quote: Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. - Bil Keane (Creator of The Family Circus) Close Large View

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What Happened On

Timothy McVeigh Executed

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Timothy McVeigh Executed

June 11, 2001

Timothy McViegh had conspired with Terry Nichols in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The attack killed 168, injured more than 680 others, and caused $652 million worth of damage. It was the largest domestic terrorist attack in the United States up to that date. He was executed by lethal injection.

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Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece

Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece Sacrifice of a young boar in ancient Greece
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Animal Sacrifice Ruled Legal

June 11, 1993

U.S. Supreme Court rules that the religious sacrifice of animals is protected by the First Amendment. The case overturned an ordinance in Hialeah, Florida, that forbade the unnecessary killing of animals in public or private rituals or ceremonies not for the primary purpose of food consumption.

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Jurassic Park

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Jurassic Park

June 11, 1993

The movie blockbuster Jurassic Park opens in the U.S. It would become the highest-grossing film ever up to that time. It won Oscars for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. It was directed by Steven Spielberg at a cost $56 million.

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Alcatraz - Native American Occupation

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Alcatraz - Native American Occupation

June 11, 1971

A group of Native Americans who had claimed ownership and began occupying the island in 1969 are forcibly removed. Citing the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868), they claimed abandoned or out-of-use federal land should be returned to the Native people from whom it was acquired. The prison had been closed in 1963.

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True Grit

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True Grit

June 11, 1969

The John Wayne movie True Grit is released. Wayne plays aging U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn in his only performance to win an Oscar.
Elvis Presley was the original choice for La Boeuf, but was turned down after his manager Col. Tom Parker demanded top billing over Wayne. The roll then went to Glen Campbell.

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Vivian Malone registering for classes Vivian Malone registering for classes

Vivian Malone registering for classes Vivian Malone registering for classes
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Governor Bars Blacks from University of Alabama

June 11, 1963

Alabama Governor George Wallace blocks two African American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from entering to register for classes at the University of Alabama. He was doing so to keep his promise of "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." U.S. President John F. Kennedy called in the National Guard who forced Wallace to move allowing the students to register.

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Worst Crash in Motorsports History Photo Credit: FlyAkwa

Worst Crash in Motorsports History Photo Credit: FlyAkwa
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Worst Crash in Motorsports History

June 11, 1955

Eighty-three spectators and a driver are killed in an accident during the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race in France. While preparing for a pit stop, driver Mike Hawthorn pulled to the right side of the track in front of driver Lance Macklin and started braking. Macklin, unable to brake fast enough, swerved left in front of Pierre Levegh who was traveling over 125 mph (200 km/h). Levegh's car launched over Mackin's and over a protective barrier hitting the spectator area. Levegh was thrown from the car and died on impact. Seatbelts were not in use at the time. His car disintegrated showering the spectators with debris. The hood decapitated several spectators and others were crushed by the engine and other parts of the vehicle.
The official inquiry ruled none of the drivers were specifically responsible and criticized the layout of the 30-year-old track. The track had been designed in 1923, when top speeds of cars were about 60 mph (100 km/h). By 1955, top speeds were over 170 mph (270 km/h). The only barrier between the track and spectators was a 4 ft (1.2 m) earthen bank.
The race continued with Hawthorn and his team easily winning, as their main competition had been taken out of the race.
Organizers claimed they continued the race, because they didn't want exiting spectators preventing emergency vehicles from getting through.

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Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy
Photo Credit: Kritzolina

Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy Statue of Morris Frank and Buddy
Photo Credit: Kritzolina
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First Seeing Eye Dog in the U.S.

June 11, 1928

Blind owner Morris Frank arrives in the U.S. with Buddy, who was trained as a guide dog in Switzerland. Frank then cofounded The Seeing Eye, the first guide dog school in the U.S.

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Geronimo Drives a Locomobile

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Geronimo Drives a Locomobile

June 11, 1905

Apache Indian Chief Geronimo is photographed driving a 1905 Locomobile Model C automobile as part of the "Big Round-Up" for the National Editorial Association Convention.
The Ponca Indian in full headdress to the left of Geronimo is Edward Le Clair Sr. Geronimo so admired Le Clair's beaded vest that it was presented to him later in the day and after his death, Geronimo was buried wearing it.
Geronimo, still a captive of the U.S. Army, was one of the star attractions of the event.

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The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them

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The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them

June 11, 1807

U.S. President Thomas Jefferson writes a letter describing his feelings about the amount of misinformation in the newspapers of his day.
"I will add, that the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors. He who reads nothing will still learn the great facts, and the details are all false."

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Detroit Burns to the Ground

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Detroit Burns to the Ground

June 11, 1805

A fire that started in the morning burned Detroit to the ground by afternoon. All that remained were a few brick chimneys. The fire is believed to have started when a local baker failed to extinguish the ashes from his pipe when he knocked the tobacco out. The residents tried to save the city by engaging in a "bucket brigade," in which a line of people formed between the river and the burning buildings, passing buckets of water to throw on the fire, but it was to no avail. Amazingly, no one died in the fire.

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Gays in the Military

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Gays in the Military

June 11, 1993

The Israeli Army bans discrimination against gays and lesbians in the military.

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Sears Auto Repair Scandal

June 11, 1992

California seeks to revoke Sears' automobile repair license after undercover investigators disclosed "systematic looting of the public."

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Mary Edwards Walker's Medal of Honor Reinstated

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Mary Edwards Walker's Medal of Honor Reinstated

June 11, 1977

It had been revoked in 1916. Mary Edwards Walker was the first woman to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor (1865).
She received the award for her efforts to treat the wounded during the Civil War.

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Six-Day War

June 11, 1967

The Six-Day War ends with the signing of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Syria.

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First Public Demonstration of a Manned Hovercraft Flight Photo Credit: Hovercraft Museum

First Public Demonstration of a Manned Hovercraft Flight Photo Credit: Hovercraft Museum
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First Public Demonstration of a Manned Hovercraft Flight

June 11, 1959

The seven-ton SR.N1 developed by Christopher Cockerell is demonstrated to the press. It was capable of 60 knots.

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Hank Williams

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Hank Williams

June 11, 1949

The singer Hank Williams makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He sang Lovesick Blues.

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First Major-League Pitcher to Pitch Two Consecutive No-Hit, No-Run Games

June 11, 1938

Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds shuts out Boston 3-0. On June 15th he shut out the Brooklyn Dodgers 6-0.

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Horse Racing's First Triple Crown Winner

June 11, 1919

Sir Barton ridden by John Loftus wins the Belmont Stakes. He had already won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

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American Revolution

June 11, 1776

Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston are appointed to prepare a declaration of independence.

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First English Colony in North America

June 11, 1583

English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert sets sail from England in search for a Northwest Passage to the Far East. Instead he landed at St. Johns, Newfoundland in August and established a colony there.

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Birthdays

Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death

Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death Lindy and Azaria shortly before her death
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This is a birthday

A Dingo Took My Baby!

Azaria Chamberlain

Born June 11, 1980 d. 1980

Azaria Chamberlain disappeared when she was 9 weeks old while she and her parents were tent camping in Australia. Her parents claimed she had been taken from their tent by a dingo. Her body was never found. Her mother, Lindy Chamberlain, was tried and convicted for murder and sentenced to life in prison. Azaria's father, Michael Chamberlain, was convicted as an accessory after the fact and given an 18-month suspended sentence.
Lindy was released after a piece of Azaria's clothing was found near a dingo lair in 1986. She had spent more than three years in prison.
In 1988, all convictions against Lindy and Michael Chamberlain were overturned. Lindy Chamberlain was paid $1.3 million for false imprisonment; however, this was less than one third of their legal expenses.
In 2012, 32 years after Azaria's death, the Chamberlains' version of events was officially supported by a coroner.

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Vince Lombardi

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Vince Lombardi (Vincent Thomas Lombardi)

Born June 11, 1913 d. 1970

American Hall of Fame football coach. He won the first two Super Bowls and led Greenbay to five NFL championships. The Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor. He is considered by many to be the greatest coach in football history.

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Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto

Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto Left to right: Jacinta Marto, Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco Marto
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Francisco Marto

Born June 11, 1908 d. 1919

Fátima viewer. He was one of the three children who claimed to have seen the Our Lady of Fatima visions of the Virgin Mary near Fátima, Portugal (1917).
He and his sister Jacinta Marto, who also claimed to have seen the visions, would both die in the Great Influenza Epidemic several years later. Also witness to the visions was Lúcia dos Santos.

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Joe Montana

Born June 11, 1956

American football quarterback, two-time NFL MVP and the first three-time Super Bowl MVP (1982, 85, 90).

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Peter Bergman go to Video for Peter Bergman

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I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV

Peter Bergman

Born June 11, 1953

American Emmy-winning actor. Known for the advertising slogan, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV", in the 1986 Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial. Part of the reason for the line was because actors weren't allowed to portray doctors in commercials without a disclaimer.
TV: All My Children (1979-89, Dr. Cliff Warner) and The Young and the Restless (1989-, Jack Abbott).

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Barbeau in Swamp Thing Barbeau in Swamp Thing

Barbeau in Swamp Thing Barbeau in Swamp Thing
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Adrienne Barbeau

Born June 11, 1945

American actress. Stage: Fiddler on the Roof (1964, chorus and took over role of Hodel) and Grease (1971, Rizzo). Film: Escape From New York (1981) and Swamp Thing (1982). TV: Maude (1972-78, Maude's daughter Carol) and Batman: The Animated Series (1992-95, voice of Catwoman).

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Jackie Stewart

Born June 11, 1939

Scottish auto racer, Indy 500 Rookie of the Year (1966) and 3-time Formula 1 champion (1969, 71, 73).

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Johnny Brown

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Johnny Brown

Born June 11, 1937 d. 2022

American actor, singer. TV: Good Times (1975-79, Nathan Bookman the building superintendent) and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1970-72).

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Chad Everett

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Chad Everett (Raymond Lee Cramton)

Born June 11, 1937 d. 2012

American actor. TV: Medical Center (1969-76, Dr. Joe Gannon).

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This is a birthday

Amalya Lyle Kearse

Born June 11, 1937

American judge, first black woman judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals (1979, New York City). She is also a five-time U.S. national bridge champion.

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Gene Wilder (Jerome Silberman)

Born June 11, 1933 d. 2016

American actor. Film: The Producers (1968), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Wonka), and Stir Crazy (1980).

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Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Born June 11, 1910 d. 1997

French marine explorer. His 1953 book The Silent World predicted the echolocation abilities of porpoises and contained the first printed use of the word "aqualung," which he helped develop.

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Jeannette Rankin

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First U.S. Congresswoman

Jeannette Rankin

Born June 11, 1880 d. 1973

American politician, first U.S. Congresswoman (1917-19, 1941-43, Montana, Republican). She was the only member of Congress to oppose the declaration of war against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rankin believed that U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt deliberately provoked the Japanese to attack because he wanted to bring the U.S. into the war. She also voted against the U.S. entering World War I.

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Richard Strauss

Born June 11, 1864 d. 1949

German composer. Music: Also sprach Zarathustra (1896), the theme of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

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Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett

Born June 11, 1847 d. 1929

English feminist, leader of English women's movement.

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Deaths

Timothy McVeigh

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Timothy McVeigh

Died June 11, 2001 b. 1968

American terrorist. He conspired with Terry Nichols in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The attack killed 168, injured more than 680 others, and caused $652 million worth of damage. It was the largest domestic terrorist attack in the United States up to that date. He was executed by lethal injection.

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DeForest Kelley

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DeForest Kelley

Died June 11, 1999 b. 1920

American actor. Kelley was originally offered the role of Spock in the original Star Trek, but turned it down to play Dr. McCoy. TV: Star Trek (1966-69, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy). Film: Fear in the Night (1947) and Night of the Lepus (1972).

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John Wayne

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John Wayne (Marion Michael Morrison)

Died June 11, 1979 b. 1907

American Oscar-winning actor. Film: True Grit (1969, Oscar win), The Shootist (1976). Some attribute his death to radiation exposure received from an A-bomb test near the filming of a movie in 1953.

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Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard

Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard Weird Tales (May 1934), depicting Conan in Queen of the Black Coast, by Robert E. Howard
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Creator of Conan the Barbarian

Robert E. Howard

Died June 11, 1936 b. 1906

American author. Creator of Conan the Barbarian. He is considered the father of the "sword and sorcery" genre. Most of his Conan stories appeared in the magazine Weird Tales, where he also published many other stories.
His story Red Shadows, featuring the vengeful Puritan swashbuckler Solomon Kane, appeared in the August 1928 issue of Weird Tales, and is considered the first published example of sword and sorcery. He introduced his Conan character in the December 1932 issue of Weird Tales.
Howard himself was a bodybuilder and amateur boxer in his late teens and many of his stories featured boxers.
He committed suicide at age 30. Having learned that his mother, who had been ill with tuberculosis his entire life, had entered a coma from which she was not expected to recover, he went out to his car and shot himself in the head. His mother died the following day.
Quote: "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split."
Writings: Conan the Cimmerian (1932).

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William D. Boyce

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William D. Boyce

Died June 11, 1929 b. 1858

American publisher. He founded the Boy Scouts of America (1910).
Boyce had been lost in the fog while visiting London and encountered a boy who guided him to his destination. The boy refused Boyce's tip, explaining that he was a Boy Scout and was merely doing his daily good deed. Intrigued, Boyce met with the Boy Scouts headquarters and upon his return to the U.S. he incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. Former U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt, who had long complained of the decline in American manhood, became an ardent supporter.

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Ron Moody (Ronald Moodnick)

Died June 11, 2015 b. 1924

English actor. Film: Oliver! (1968, Fagin).

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Ruby Dee (Ruby Ann Wallace)

Died June 11, 2014 b. 1922

American Grammy, Emmy, and Obie winning actress, civil rights activist. TV: The Guiding Light (Martha Frazier, 1967) and Peyton Place (Alma Miles, 1968-69).

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David Brinkley

Died June 11, 2003 b. 1920

American Emmy-winning TV news correspondent. "Good night, Chet; Good night, David."

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Brigitte Helm

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Brigitte Helm (Gisele Eva Schittenhelm)

Died June 11, 1996 b. 1906

German actress. Film: Fritz Lang's Metropolis (1926, the female robot Robotrix).

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Herbert Anderson

Died June 11, 1994 b. 1917

American actor. TV: Dennis the Menace (Dennis' father).

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Ray Sharkey (Red Hook)

Died June 11, 1993 b. 1952

American actor. TV: Wiseguy (Sonny Steelgrave). He died of AIDS.

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Jack McMahon

Died June 11, 1989 b. 1928

American basketball player and coach with the NBA.

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Daniel Carter Beard

Died June 11, 1941 b. 1850

American artist, author. He created and taught the first animal-drawing class (1893, Woman's School of Applied Design), organized the first Boy Scout group in America (1910), and is for whom Mt. Beard is named.

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Alexander I

Died June 11, 1903 b. 1876

King of Serbia (1889-1903). An unpopular king, he and Queen Draga were assassinated by a military conspiracy.

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Macon Bolling Allen

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First African-American Admitted to the Bar

Macon Bolling Allen (Allen Macon Bolling)

Died June 11, 1894 b. 1816

American lawyer. First African-American admitted to the bar (1844), opened the first African-American law office, and was the first African American Justice of the Peace.

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Daniel D. Tompkins

Died June 11, 1825 b. 1774

American politician. 6th U.S. Vice-President (1817-25), and governor of New York.

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Nathaniel Gorham

Died June 11, 1796 b. 1738

14th president of the Continental Congress (1786-87).

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