Dateline

Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post/AP/AFP/ACE

December 3

Until December 9, see Third Space at Whitespace Gallery in Siam Square�s Lido Complex. German-Filipino artist Melanie-Lou Gritzka-del Villar explores cultural hybrids in her mixed media paintings. Gallery hours are noon to 8 pm Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, call 02 252 2900.

December 4

The exciting Japanese drum group OTO-ZA is coming to Thailand for the first time. The group hits the stage at 8 pm at SFW Cinema in Central World Plaza. Tickets are 500 to 1,500 baht at Thai Ticketmajor. For more information, call 02 262 3456.

In 1959, a monkey returns to Earth safely after being launched 88.5 kilometres into outer space by the United States space programme.

December 5

All of Thailand wishes His Majesty the King a very happy birthday.

It�s also Father�s Day in Thailand, so don�t forget to do something special for your dad!

December 6

In 2002, Hollywood star Winona Ryder is sentenced to 36 months probation and 480 hours of community service stemming from her conviction for shoplifting.

In 1877, Thomas Edison demonstrates the first gramophone with a recording of himself reciting �Mary Had a Little Lamb.�

December 7

In 1991,U2�s album Achtung Baby debuts at No. 1 on Billboard�s pop albums chart.

In 2002, two Van Gogh paintings are stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. In 2004, two men are convicted of the crime and sentenced to four years in prison.

December 8

Until December 10, see the Bangkok Jazz Festival. The festival this year features world class musicians Laura Fygi, Matt Bianco, Kitaro and many others. Shows happen at the First Battalion Regiment King�s Own Bodyguard on Viphavadi Rangsit Road. Tickets are 1,200 to 2,000 baht at Thai Ticketmajor.

In 1980, Mark Chapman murders John Lennon in front of Lennon�s apartment building in New York City.

December 9

Happy Birthday to Green Day�s German-born drummer, Tre Cool (1972).

Horseshoe Point and the Thai Polo Club proudly present the Passionata Horse Show. Experience breathtaking performances from world-renowned horse-man Mario Miguel and other great Portuguese riders. The show starts at 7 pm at Three Kingdom Park at Horse-shoe Point in Chon Buri. Tickets are 1,000 to 2,000 baht at Thai Ticketmajor.