PARACULTURAL CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 26

On this day in 1531, Lisbon, Portugal is hit by an earthquake. Thousands die.

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On this day in 1841, the United Kingdom formally occupies Hong Kong, which China later formally cedes.

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On this day in 1934, the Apollo Theater reopens in Harlem, New York City.

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On this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy appoints Janet G. Travell to be his physician. This is the first time a woman holds the appointment of Physician to the President.

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On this day in 1980, Israel and Egypt establish diplomatic relations.

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On this day in 1992, Boris Yeltsin announces that Russia will stop targeting United States cities with nuclear weapons.

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On this day in 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton goes on TV and denies having had "sexual relations" with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

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On this day in 2004, President Hamid Karzai signs the new constitution of Afghanistan.

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On this day in 2004, a whale explodes in the town of Tainan, Taiwan. A build-up of gas in the decomposing sperm whale is suspected of causing the explosion.