On this day in history 23 December
1974: Dmitri Shostakovich' son cycle "Suite on Verses of Michelangelo Buonarroti" premieres in Leningrad.
1977: British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens formally converts to Islam, taking the name Yusuf Islam.
1978: NY Islanders center Bryan Trottier sets NHL record scoring 6 points - 4 goals & 2 assists - in 2nd period of 9-4.
1984: West Indies batsman Viv Richards scores 208 vs Ausatralia in test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
1987: Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, serving a life sentence for attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford.
1994: Fearing arrest by the FBI, Whitey Bulger flees Boston, and successfully hides from law enforcement for the next 16 years.
1997: "As Good as It Gets" film released written and directed by James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.
1997: Ballon d'Or: Barcelona/Inter's Brazilian striker Ronaldo wins his first of 2 best football player in Europe awards ahead of Real Madrid.
1997: Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson is quickest to reach 500 wins (682 games).
1997: Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals.