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History December 11

1930 As the economic crisis grows, the Bank of the United States closes its doors.

1936 Britain's King Edward VIII abdicates the throne to marry American Wallis Warfield Simpson.

1941 The United States declares war on Italy and Germany.

1943

U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull demands that Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria withdraw from the war.

1945 A Boeing B-29 Superfortress shatters all records by crossing the United States in five hours and 27 minutes.

1967 The Concorde, a joint British-French venture and the world's first supersonic airliner, is unveiled in Toulouse, France.

1972 Challenger, the lunar lander for Apollo 17, touches down on the moon's surface, the last time that men visit the moon.

2008 Bernard "Bernie" Madoff arrested and charged with securities fraud in what was called a $50-billion Ponzi scheme.

Born on December 11

1940 Donna Mills, actress (Knots Landing TV series, Play Misty for Me movie).

1944 Teri Garr, actress, dancer (Tootsie, Mr. Mom).

1944 Brenda Lee, singer; her 37 US chart hits in the 1960s is surpassed only by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Ray Charles and Connie Francis ("I'm Sorry," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree").

1950 Christina Onassis, businesswoman; inherited and operated the Onassis shipping businessh.


Joke of the day

What happens to elves when they behave naughty? Santa gives them the sack.

What kind of music do elves listen to? Wrap.

What is a snowmans favorite breakfast? Ice Crispies.

Why didn't the skeleton go to the Christmas party? He had no-body to go with.