Dateline

Photographs courtesy of AP/Bangkok Post

October 4

Birthday wishes go to clueless Alicia Silverstone (1976), She�s All That�s Rachel Leigh Cook (1979) and Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon (1946).

In 1648, the first volunteer fire department is established in New York by Peter Stuyvesant. Coincidentally or otherwise, a Dutch cigarette brand is later named after him.

October 5

In 1902, McDonald�s founder Ray Kroc is born. If he hadn�t dreamed up the name McDonald�s, we might all be eating Big Kroks now.

In 1997, Express Newspapers in London prints an article claiming that Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are homosexual. The paper ends up having to pay damages in a settlement as the allegations are wholly and clearly untrue about Kidman.

October 6

In 1889, the Moulin Rouge �theatre� in Paris first opens its doors to the public.

The Thailand Research Fund is inviting high-school students to join its scientific and historical camp Suep Adeet Jak It Krung Kao (Trace the Past from Ancient Bricks) from October 28-30. Call 02 298 0455-75 ext. 159/160 and 02 295 0454.

October 7

In 1968, the movie ratings system is adopted for the first time. Immediately after, a booming trade in fake ID cards  started so that frustrated young   men could sneak  into X-rated movies.

In 2003, Arnold  Schwarzenegger is elected California  governor. Has it really been a  year?

October 8

Jason Bourne�s true identity, Matt Damon, celebrates his 34th birthday today. Alien fighter Sigourney Weaver turns 55.

In 1915, the Battle of Loos is concluded during the First World War. The lesser-known Battle of the Washrooms finished later.

October 9

In 1975, the �father of the hydrogen bomb� Andrei Sakharov is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Prize committee clearly has a loose interpretation of the word �peace.�

Until October 17, Thailand Post is holding an International Letter Writing Week at Central Pinklao. For more information, call 02 831 3512.

October 10

In 1886, the tuxedo dinner jacket makes a debut in New York City. Years later, Pierce Brosnan signs an agreement with movie producers never to wear a tuxedo when he�s not being James Bond.

In 2001, US President George W. Bush presents a list of the 22 most wanted terrorists.

Guess who�s No. 1?