Today in HistoryToday is Friday, July 7, the 188th day of 2006. There are 177 days left in the year.

ON THIS DATE<$>

In 1960, the first working laser was demonstrated by Theodore Maiman of the Hughes Aircraft Corporation in Malibu, California.

In 1969, Canada’s House of Commons gave final approval to a measure making the French language equal to English.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.” — Louisa May Alcott