Historical Events
1498
Christopher Columbus discovers the island of Trinidad.
1703
Daniel Defoe is sentenced to stand in the pillory for seditious libel.
1948
Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport) opens in New York City.
1954
The first ascent of K2, the world's second highest mountain, is made by an Italian expedition.
2016
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe appears in a Super Mario costume at the Olympics closing ceremony.
Famous Birthdays
1695
Joseph Ignace Guillotin
French physician who proposed using the guillotine.
1800
Friedrich Wöhler
German chemist who synthesized urea, disproving vitalism.
1912
Milton Friedman
American economist and Nobel laureate who championed free-market capitalism.
1965
J.K. Rowling
British author who created the Harry Potter series, the best-selling book series in history.
1980
B.J. Novak
American actor, writer, and comedian known for The Office.
