20 September

10 weird and wonderful things which happened on 20 September:

1. Sophia Scicoloni was born on this date in 1934. She's better known as actress Sophia Loren. Her films include Man of La Mancha, Brief Encounter and Prêt-à-Porter.
2. Born on this date in 1928 was Dr. Joyce Brothers, American TV psychologist. This wasn't her first foray into TV, however. In 1955 she won The $64,000 Question game show; her specialist subject was boxing. Originally, she hadn't planned to have boxing as her topic, but the sponsors suggested it, and she agreed. She studied every reference book about boxing she could find; she later told reporters it was thanks to her good memory that she assimilated so much material and answered even the most difficult questions. There were allegations that the quiz shows were rigged, but Brothers insisted (and it was later proved) that she had never cheated. Her success on The $64,000 Question earned Brothers a chance to be a commentator for the boxing match between Carmen Basilio and Sugar Ray Robinson. She was said to be the first woman to ever be a boxing commentator.
3. In 1973, a Tennis match drew the biggest worldwide television audience in history. It was Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs, dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes". Riggs, one of the best tennis players of his time, well known for his sexist remarks, challenged any top female player to a match. King accepted the challenge, and beat Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
4. Salisbury Cathedral, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture, was consecrated on this date in 1258.
5. In 1860, the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, became the first British royalty to visit the USA.
6. In 451, Attila the Hun was defeated by the Romans in the Battle of Châlons, one of the most terrible battles of ancient history. The Romans were assisted by the Visigoths, or West Goths, under their king, Theodoric I. Historians of the period estimated Attila's army lost between 200,000 and 300,000 men in the battle.
7. In 1996, a Warley man named Michael Smith was charged with having no motor insurance and being over twice the alcohol limit. He was also registered blind.
8. In 1970, Beeren Berg, the northernmost active volcano on the island of Jan Mayen in the Greenland Sea, erupted. The island’s 39 inhabitants, all male, were evacuated.
9. In 1985, Walt Disney World welcomed its 200 millionth guest.
10. In 1996, a police dog trod in a cake that had been prepared for John Major at a Huntingdon children’s club.

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