The 38th parallel north is a circle of latitude that runs 38 degrees north of the Earth's equator. It was important as it marked the border between North and South Korea at the end of the Second World War.
38th parallel
Fact of the Day
Thirty-two countries attended the Evian Conference, designed to tackle the Jewish refugee crisis, in 1938. Only one country - the Dominican Republic - agreed to accept more refugees.
Quote of the Day
"Total abstinence is so excellent a thing that it cannot be carried to too great an extent. In my passion for it I even carry it so far as to totally abstain from total abstinence itself.
"
~ Mark Twain
On This Day
19 Germanicus, Roman general and member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, died of a 'mysterious illness' (most probably assassination). He was viewed by many as the perfect Roman and his death led to a climate of fear in Rome.
1957 The worst nuclear accident in British history occurred when a fire led to a major radiation leak at the Windscale (now known as Sellafield) nuclear plant in Cumbria.
1971 After being sold, dismantled and moved to the USA, London Bridge was reconstructed and reopened in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
2004 Former Superman actor Christopher Reeve died, aged 52, possibly from an adverse reaction to an antibiotic. He became a prominent activist for people with spinal cord injuries after being severely injured when thrown from his horse.