Today is Thursday, June 7, the 159th day of 2012. There are 207 days left in the year.

1654 ― Louis XIV crowned king of France

1775 ― United Colonies change name to United States

1864 ― Abe Lincoln renominated for President by Republican Party

1905 ― Norway dissolves union with Sweden (in effect since 1814)

1924 ― George Leigh-Mallory disappears 775 meters from Mt. Everest's summit

1929 ― Vatican City becomes a sovereign state

1930 ― NY Times agrees to capitalize the n in ``Negro"

1963 ― First Rolling Stones TV appearance (Thank Your Lucky Stars) and release first single, ``Come on"

1972 ― German Chancellor Willy Brandt visits Israel

1981 ― Israel destroys alleged Iraqi plutonium production facility