Shimla, Nov. 17 Keekli Bureau
2008
The first film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s popular Twilight Saga, a vampire-themed series of novels for teenagers, premiered in Los Angeles.
1989
Massive antigovernment demonstrations in Czechoslovakia were set off by police brutality at a demonstration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the suppression of a student demonstration in German-occupied Prague, and, under the leadership of Václav Havel, they continued until the communist government resigned.
1973
During the Watergate scandal, U.S. President Richard Nixon held a press conference in which he declared, “I am not a crook.”
1950
German athlete Roland Matthes, one of the greatest backstrokers in the history of swimming, was born in East Germany.
1942
American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who was known for his harsh, often violent depictions of American culture, was born.
1887
British Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, one of the outstanding Allied commanders in World War II, was born in London.
1871
The National Rifle Association was granted a charter by New York state; the NRA’s initial goal was to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis,” and it later became a leading advocate of gun rights.
1869
After 10 years of construction, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt.
1800
The U.S. Congress held its first session in Washington, D.C.
1558
At the death of Mary I this day, Elizabeth Tudor came to the English throne as Elizabeth I.
284
Diocletian was acclaimed Roman emperor by his soldiers.
Very informative.