1923 – Dies at the age of 39 in Lipnice, Jaroslav Hašek. Hašek was a writer, humorist, satirist, Bohemian journalist, and anarchist. He is best known for his novel The Fate of the Good Soldier Švejk During the World War, an unfinished collection of incidents about a soldier in the First World War and a satire on the foolishness of authority figures. The novel has been translated into about 60 languages, making it the most translated novel in Czech literature.
1956 – Born in Peekskill, New York, Mel Gibson, he spent his childhood and youth in Australia. He is an American actor, director, and producer, and an Oscar winner, known particularly for his roles in the film series Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, for his role and direction in Braveheart, which won an Oscar, as well as directing the 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ. In February 1985, he was the first to be given the title “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine.
1957 – The Hamilton Watch Company introduces the first electric watch. The Hamilton Watch Company is a Swiss watch manufacturer based in Bienne, Switzerland. Hamilton had its genesis as an American watchmaking company, which was founded in 1892 and produced its first watch in 1893. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Hamilton became a diversified conglomerate and was later integrated into the famous Swatch Group.
1961– During the Cold War, the United States of America severs diplomatic relations with Cuba after the latter nationalized American companies. Following the rise to power of the communist forces led by Fidel Castro, the Havana government undertook a program to nationalize all U.S. economic assets on the island, also resulting in the expulsion of American citizens from Cuba. Diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries were reestablished decades later.
1969 – Born in Hürth, Germany, Michael Schumacher. Schumacher is a former racing driver who competed in Formula 1 for Jordan, Benetton, and Ferrari, where he spent the majority of his career, as well as for Mercedes after his return to the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers. In 2013, Schumacher was seriously injured during a skiing trip in the Swiss Alps.
1976– The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, enters into force. It commits its parties to work toward granting economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) to non-self-governing and trust territories and individuals, including labor rights, the right to health, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living. Since its signing, this covenant has been ratified by 175 states.
1977 – The first Apple-branded computer is created. Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple Inc. is considered one of the Big Four technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, and Facebook. The historic leader of this company was Steve Jobs.
1990 – During the United States invasion of Panama, Manuel Noriega, the former leader of Panama, surrenders to American forces. In 1988, Noriega was indicted by federal grand juries in Miami and Tampa on charges of drug trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison, ultimately serving 17 years after a sentence reduction for good behavior. However, after release by the U.S., he was imprisoned in Panama on charges of crimes against his people.
2004 – The civil airliner Flash Airlines Flight 604 crashes into the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of 148 passengers, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Egypt’s history. Most of the deceased passengers were French tourists. Investigations into the cause of this accident were controversial as no definitive conclusion was reached regarding the reasons for the crash. These causes remain a mystery to this day.
