A Cebu Pacific Air passenger plane went down in the Philippines. 104 people died in the crash.

American dancer and actor, Gene Kelly, died at the age of 84. Along with Fred Astaire, he was one of the most celebrated musical actors of the 20th century.

British actor, Donald Pleasence, died at the age of 75.

Syrian troops launched an attack on the town of Hama, killing thousands of people.

British philosopher, Bertrand Russell, died at the age of 97. He is widely acknowledged as one of the top intellectuals of the late 19th and 20th centuries. In 1950 he was awarded the Nobel prize for literature.

British actor, Boris Karloff, died at the age of 82. He was one of the most famous horror actors ever to appear on the silver screen.

American actor, Brent Spiner, was born in Texas. He is best known for his portrayal of the android, Data, in the hit Star Trek: The Next Generation television and movie series.

American actress, Farrah Fawcett, was born in Texas. She became known after her participation in the hit television series, Charlie's Angels. She is considered as having been the ultimate sex symbol of the 1970's

German forces surrendered to the Soviet army after the Battle of Stalingrad.

American author, Ayn Rand, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was one of the most prominent authors of the second half of the 20th century.

Irish author, James Joyce, was born in Rathgar a suburb of Dublin. He is widely recognized as one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

The city of New Amsterdam was founded. It was later renamed to New York City.