MILESTONES: December 6, birthdays for Andrew Cuomo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Cahill

December 6, 2018 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2018 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during the New York gubernatorial debate in New York. Cuomo is running against Republican challenger Marc Molinaro. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, Pool, File)

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NOTABLE PEOPLE born on this day include New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was born in 1957; football player Johnny Manziel, who was born in 1992; actor James Naughton, who was born in 1945; founder of Craigslist Craig Newmark, who was born in 1952; actress Sarah Rafferty, who was born in 1972; actress Janine Turner, who was born in 1962; actress JoBeth Williams, who was born in 1948; and comedian Steven Wright, who was born in 1955.

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ALFRED EISENSTAEDT WAS BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1898. One of the greatest photojournalists in U.S. history, he is best known for his 86 photos that were used on the covers of Life magazine, including the iconic image of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square at the end of WWII. He died in 1995 in Massachusetts.

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THE ALTAMONT CONCERT WAS HELD ON THIS DAY IN 1969. The free concert that featured performances by acts like The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young turned into a tragedy. The concert for 300,000 fans was marred by overcrowding, drug overdoses and the fatal stabbing of a spectator by a member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, who had been hired as security guards for the event. It was held at the Altamont Speedway in Livermore, California.

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IRA GERSHWIN WAS BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1896. The New York-born Pulitzer Prize-winning American lyricist and author is best known for his collaboration with his brother George and other composers to create such Broadway successes as “Lady Be Good,” “Funny Face” and “Strike Up the Band.” He died in Beverly Hills in 1983.

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TODAY IS NATIONAL MINER’S DAY. It was established in appreciation, honor and remembrance of the accomplishments and sacrifices of miners. It is a day to provide a sober reminder of the risks that miners are routinely exposed to in their work and to set aside some time on this day for quiet contemplation of those brave miners who have perished in our mines. A National Miner’s Day resolution passed in the U.S. Senate on Dec. 3, 2009.

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JEAN EUGENE ROBERT-HOUDIN WAS BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1805. The French magician was the founder of modern magic and was the first to use electricity in his illusions. Robert-Houdin also popularized wearing evening attire (instead of wizard’s robes) onstage. He inspired scores of younger magicians, including Harry Houdini, whose stage name saluted Robert-Houdin’s name. He died in France in 1871.

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Special thanks to “Chase’s Calendar of Events” and Brooklyn Public Library.

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“Better a man honor his profession than be honored by it.” — Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, who was born on this day in 1805