Today is Monday, September 7, the 250th day of 2009. There are 115 days left in the year.
3114 B.C. _ Presumed origin of Mayan ``long count" calendar system
1822 _ Brazil declares independence from Portugal (National Day)
1880 _ Geo Ligowsky patents device to throw clay pigeons for trapshooters
1936 _ Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) begins operation
1940 _ German Air Force blitz London for first of 57 consecutive nights
1948 _ First use of synthetic rubber in asphaltic concrete, Akron, Ohio
1963 _ First U.S. TV appearance of the Beatles (Big Night Out-ABC)
1979 _ Five- day MUSE concert against nuclear energy opens at MSG, N.Y.
1986 _ Desmond Tutu installed to lead South African Anglican Church
1988 _ Security and Exchange Commission accuses Drexel of violating security laws