Today in History - January 26th

1784 - On this day in history, Benjamin Franklin expressed unhappiness over the eagle as the symbol of America in a letter that he had sent to his daughter.
1788 - The first European settlers in Australia, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, landed in what became known as Sydney.
1802 - Today in history, The Congress passed an act for a library to be established within the United States Capitol.
1837 - Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States.
1934 - On this day in history, the legendary Apollo Theater opened in New York City.
1942 - The first American force to go to Europe during World War II went ashore in Northern Ireland.
1947 - Today in history, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" was first heard on radio.
1992 - Russian president Boris Yeltsin announced that his country would stop targeting US cities with nuclear weapons.
1996 - On this day in history, Hillary Rodham Clinton testified before a grand jury concerning Whitewater.
1998 - President Clinton denied having had an affair with a White House intern, saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky."
1999 - Today in history, Saddam Hussein vowed revenge against The United States in response to air-strikes against civilians, but the strikes were US planes defending themselves against anti-aircraft fire.
2010 - James Cameron's "Avatar" became the highest-grossing film worldwide.

SCIENCE, DISCOVERIES, PATENTS - Today in History, January 26th

1875 - On this day in history, George F. Green patented the electric dental drill.
1911 - Inventor Glenn Curtiss flew the first successful seaplane.

1970 - Today in history, John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma."
1974 - The Doobie Brothers opened their first European tour in London.
1979 - On this day in history, The 'Gizmo' synthesizer was first demonstrated.
1988 - Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Phantom of the Opera" opened at Broadway's Majestic Theater.
2003 - Billy Joel was hospitalized for several hours after crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor.