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In 1944, French Gen. Charles de Gaulle braved the threat of German snipers as he led a victory march in Paris, which had just been liberated by the Allies from Nazi occupation.

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In 1958, Alaskans went to the polls to overwhelmingly vote in favor of statehood.

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In 1968, the Democratic National Convention opened in Chicago.

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In 1972, the summer Olympics games opened in Munich, West Germany.

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In 1974, Charles Lindbergh — the first man to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic — died at his home in Hawaii at age 72.

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In 1978, Cardinal Albino Luciani (al-BEE'-noh loo-CHYAH'-nee) of Venice was elected pope following the death of Paul VI. The new pontiff took the name Pope John Paul I. (However, he died just over a month later.)

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In 1986, in the so-called "preppie murder case," 18-year-old Jennifer Levin was found strangled in New York's Central Park; Robert Chambers later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served 15 years in prison.

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In 1996, Democrats opened their 42nd national convention in Chicago.

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Ten years ago: The nation's supply of vaccine for the impending flu season took a big hit when Chiron Corp. announced it had found tainted doses in its factory, and would hold up shipment of about 50 million shots. At the Athens Olympics, the U.S. women's soccer team won the gold medal by beating Brazil, 2-1, in overtime; Shawn Crawford led a U.S. sweep of the 200 meters. Pop singer Laura Branigan died in East Quogue, New York, at age 47.

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Five years ago: Authorities in California solved the 18-year-old disappearance of Jaycee Lee Dugard after she appeared at a parole office with her children and the Antioch couple accused of kidnapping her when she was 11. A giant wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles; the blaze went on to destroy more than five dozen homes, kill two firefighters and force thousands of people from their homes. Death claimed crime story author Dominick Dunne, 83, in New York City; Ellie Greenwich, 68, who'd co-written songs like "Chapel of Love," ''Be My Baby" and "Leader of the Pack," in New York City; Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, one of Iraq's most influential politicians, at a Tehran hospital.

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One year ago: President Barack Obama bestowed the Medal of Honor on Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, who'd risked his life to save an injured soldier, resupply ammunition to his comrades and render first aid during intense fighting in a remote mountain outpost in Afghanistan.

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Today's Birthdays: Former Washington Post Executive Editor Benjamin C. Bradlee is 93. Actress Francine York is 78. Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Valerie Simpson is 68. Pop singer Bob Cowsill is 65. Broadcast journalist Bill Whitaker is 63. Actor Brett Cullen is 58. NBA coach Stan Van Gundy is 55. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is 54. Country musician Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio) is 53. Actor Chris Burke is 49. Actress-singer Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 48. Rock musician Dan Vickrey (Counting Crowes) is 48. TV writer-actress Riley Weston is 48. Rock musician Adrian Young (No Doubt) is 45. Actress Melissa McCarthy is 44. Latin pop singer Thalia is 43. Rock singer-musician Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) is 39. Actor Mike Colter is 38. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 34. Actor Chris Pine is 34. Country singer Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line) is 29. Rhythm-and-blues singer Cassie Ventura is 28. Actor Dylan O'Brien (TV: "Teen Wolf") is 23. Actress Keke Palmer is 21.

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Thought for Today: "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." — Mother Teresa (born this date in 1910, died 1997).

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Traffic School
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The following are a sampling of real answers received on exams given by the California Department of Transportation's driving school (read Saturday Traffic School for moving violation offenders.)

     Q: Do you yield when a blind pedestrian is crossing the road?
     A: What for? He can't see my license plate.

     Q: Who has the right of way when four cars approach a four-way stop at the same time?
     A: The pick up truck with the gun rack and the bumper sticker saying "Guns don't kill people. I do."

     Q: What are the important safety tips to remember when backing your car?
     A: Always wear a condom.

     Q: When driving through fog, what should you use?
     A: Your car.

     Q: What problems would you face if you were arrested for drunk driving?
     A: I'd probably lose my buzz a lot faster.

     Q: What changes would occur in your lifestyle if you could no longer drive lawfully?
     A: I would be forced to drive unlawfully.

     Q: What are some points to remember when passing or being passed?
     A: Make eye contact and wave "hello" if he/she is cute.

     Q: What is the difference between a flashing red traffic light and a flashing yellow traffic light?
     A: The color.

     Q: How do you deal with heavy traffic?
     A: Heavy psychedelics.

     Q: What can you do to help ease a heavy traffic problem?
     A: Carry loaded weapons.

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Time to head to work guys, enjoy the jam.