January 29, 2008

130 years ago
1878

Born on this date
Barney Oldfield. U.S. auto racing driver. Mr. Oldfield was one of the major figures in the early days of auto racing, becoming, in 1903, the first man to drive at 60 miles per hour. He set other speed records, and was barred by the American Automobile Association for much of his career for participating in "outlaw" events, but the ban was lifted, and Mr. Oldfield raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 1914 and 1916, finishing fifth both times. He died of a heart attack on October 4, 1946 at the age of 68.

80 years ago
1928

Aviation
French aviators Dieudonne Costes and Joseph Lebrix flew from Guatemala City to Mexico City as they resumed their transatlantic flight.

40 years ago
1968

Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Cállate Niña--Pic-Nic (5th week at #1)

War
The United States unilaterally cancelled a cease-fire agreement with North Vietnam that covered South Vietnam's five northern provinces. The cease-fire was to have taken effect for the lunar new year, better known as Tet.