2022
Blackberry phones officially ended their service after a year-long transition to a software-based business model.
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2010
The world’s largest building at the time opened in Dubai.
The building was called Burj Khalifa and stood at 2,722 feet tall (829.8 meters).
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2001
The rapper Vanilla Ice was arrested and spent a night in jail after a row with his wife, which led to ripping out her hair.
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1989
George H. W. Bush declared himself President of the United States of America.
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1970
A 7.1 magnitude Earthquake in Tonghai, China, claimed over 10,000 lives.
The disaster occurred at 01:00 and could be felt 300 miles away from the epicenter. The earthquake caused up to $25 million in damages.
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1962
New York City modernized its subway by starting its first unmanned trains.
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1959
The Soviet spacecraft Luna I became the first to pass the moon.
As the craft headed for the Sun’s orbit it, came within just 3,700 miles of the moon.
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1954
Elvis Presley recorded his first demo for “It Wouldn’t Be The Same Without You” and “I’ll Never Stand In Your Way.”
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1948
Burma declared independence from the United Kingdom.
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1903
The famous elephant called Topsy was executed at Luna Park, Coney Island, in New York.
It’s believed that owners Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy used the electrocution as a publicity stunt. Topsy’s execution was advertised as a public performance where attendees paid an entrance fee to watch.
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1884
Canada’s last-ever sighting of the Eastern Cougar was found in Ontario.
The cougar wasn’t seen again until May 16, 1938, in Maine, US, which was the last ever recorded sighting in the world. Sadly, they became unofficially extinct in 2011.
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1642
King Charles I attacked the House of Commons.
On this day, King Charles I ambushed English Parliament and attempted to arrest five members. The arrest was unsuccessful as these members were tucked away safely at a top hiding spot in the City of London. This violent act was a significant cause that led to the Great Civil War.
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46 BC
Julius Caesar and his legions made battle with one of Caesar’s former forces in the Battle of Ruspina in Africa.
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