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On this day: November 12

The Loch Ness Monster smiles for the camera -- sort of, Ellis Island closes, actor William Holden dies, and Madonna releases "Like a Virgin," all on this day.

On this day: September 21

"The Hobbit" is published for the first time, Jimmy Hendrix becomes Jimi, Sandra Day O'Connor is confirmed as the first female Supreme Court justice, and a track superstar dies, all on this day.

13 fun facts about Friday the 13th

Yet another Friday the 13th has arrived, bringing the usual superstitious chatter along with vows to avoid flying and other fear-inducing activities. Why are we so weird about the 13th?

On this day: August 14

The license plate and Social Security are born, basketball makes a muddy Olympic debut, a classic backyard kids toy is invented, and the Oklahoma City bomber is sentenced to death, all on this day.

On this day: July 17

Air conditioning is born, the "happiest place on Earth" opens up, and Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is shot down over Ukraine, all on this day.

On this day: July 14

The Bastille is stormed, the Matterhorn is scaled, Billy the Kid is shot and killed, Dr. Spock releases his baby book, and The Rolling Stones score their first No. 1, all on this day.

On this day: July 13

The Mississippi River finds its roots, a Hollywood icon debuts, Old Blue Eyes records for the first time, the MLB All-Star Game goes north, and Ronald Reagan gives up the presidency, briefly, all on this day.

On this day: July 16

The nation's capital is founded, the world gets its first parking meter, Joltin' Joe sets an unbreakable record, and man heads to the moon, all on this day.

On this day: July 15

Jerusalem falls to the Crusaders, the Rosetta Stone is uncovered, Napoleon surrenders, Psy unleashes "Gangnam Style" on the internet, and a coup falls short in Turkey, all on this day.