GMT

Today in History: October 8
0876
Charles the Bald is defeated at the Battle of Andernach.

1871
The Great Chicago Fire begins in southwest Chicago, possibly in a barn owned by Patrick and Katherine O'Leary. Fanned by strong southwesterly winds, the flames raged for more than 24 hours, eventually leveling three and a half square miles and wiping out one-third of the city. Approximately 250 people were killed in the fire; 98,500 people were left homeless; 17,450 buildings were destroyed.

1918
US Army corporal Alvin C. York kills 28 German soldiers and captures 132 in the Argonne Forest; promoted to sergeant and awarded US Medal of Honor and French Croix de Guerre.

1919
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives pass the Volstead Prohibition Enforcement Bill.

1939
Nazi Germany annexes Western Poland.

1967
Guerrilla Che Guevara captured in Bolivia.

1969
The "Days of Rage" begin in Chicago; the Weathermen faction of the Students for a Democratic Society initiate 3 days of violent antiwar protests.

1973
In the Yom Kippur War an Israeli armored brigade makes an unsuccessful attack on Egyptian positions on the Israeli side of the Suez Canal.

2001
US President George W. Bush establishes the Office of Homeland Security.

Today in History: Born on October 8
1939
Paul Hogan, comedian, actor; won Golden Globe for his role as "Crocodile" Dundee (1986).


1943
Chevy Chase, actor, comedian, known for his roles on Saturday Night Live TV series and comedic movies (National Lampoon's Summer Vacation, Caddyshack).

1949
Sigourney Weaver, actress; (Aliens film series, Gorillas in the Mist).

1970
Matt Damon, actor, screenwriter, producer, philanthropist; shared Academy Award and Golden Globe for screenplay Good Will Hunting; appeared in Saving Private Ryan, Invictus.

JOTD
Went to the bathroom earlier and took a poo....



not sure whose it was, but it's mine now.