Quickie...

Today in History
White House: construction began in Washington, DC, under the supervision of architect James Hoban (1792)
Battle of Queenston Heights: Isaac Brock fell while defending Canada from the Americans (1812)
WWII: Italy switched sides and declared war on Nazi Germany (1943)

Today's Birthdays
Lenny Bruce (1925-1966): dark, edgy comedian
Margaret Thatcher (82): former British prime minister
Paul Simon (66): half of Simon & Garfunkel, Grammy winner for Graceland
Jerry Rice (45): SF 49ers wide receiver, 1985-2000
Ashanti (27): Grammy-winning singer, Ashanti