Today in History - December 4th

• 1783 - George Washington delivered his farewell address to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
• 1816- James Monroe was elected (by electors) the fifth president of the US.
• 1918 - On this day in history, President Woodrow Wilson set sail for France to attend the Versailles Peace Conference. Wilson became the first chief executive to travel to Europe while in office. 
• 1945 - The Senate approved American participation in the United Nations.
• 1978 - Today in history, Dianne Feinstein became San Francisco's first woman mayor when she was named to replace George Moscone, who had been murdered. 
• 1991 - Pan American World Airways ceased operations. 
• 1954 - The first Burger King opened in Miami, Florida.

SCIENCE, INVENTIONS, PATENTS - Today in History, December 4th

• 1812 - On this day in history, Peter Gaillard patented the power mower. 

SPORTS - Today in History, December 4th

• 1943 - Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis announced that any club was free to employ black players. 
• 2001 - Today in history, O.J. Simpson's home in FL was raided by the FBI in an ongoing two year international investigation into drug trafficking, satellite service pilfering and money laundering. Some satellite equipment was taken from Simpson's home and no drugs were found. 
• 1964 - Commissioner's office was given full powers in baseball disputes.

MUSIC HISTORY - Today in History, December 4th

• 1927 - Duke Ellington opened at The Cotton Club in Harlem.
• 1990 - Today in history, Madonna appeared on "Nightline" to defend her "Justify My Love" video. She denied the video's explicit contents were intended to stir up controversy and get her publicity. The video was banned by MTV. 
• 1995 - Michael Jackson appeared with legendary mime Marcel Marceau at New York news conference promoting a Jackson special airing on HBO.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS - December 4th

• Jeff Bridges 1949 
• Marisa Tomei 1964  
• Jay-Z  1969
• Tyra Banks 1973