Dateline

Photographs courtesy of AP/Bangkok Post/EPA

November 15

Hooray! It�s the King of Belgium�s birthday. Celebrate by trying to find Belgium on a world map without any help.

Running until November 21, Bangkok Theatre Festival is staging a selection of plays from 5-9:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at Santichaipra-karn Park and Phra Atit Road. Call 06 722 1435 or visit www.lakorn.org.

November 16

In 1988, elected Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto becomes the first female leader of a Muslim country.

In 1999, Johnny Depp receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

November 17

Fed up with the same old soaps? XACT is calling for budding screenwriters to join its professional TV screenwriter programme. Call 02 669 8220.

In 1904, the first underwater submarine journey is taken from Southampton, England, to the Isle of Wight. The Isle of What? Ask Matt the Editor � he comes from that part of the UK.

November 18

It�s the Great American Smokeout � not, as you may think, a mass spare-rib barbeque fiesta, but the day when American smokers are urged to kick the habit. If you smoke, make sure you join them.

In 1928, Steamboat Willie, Disney�s first animated film with sound, hits theatres. As in most Disney movies, wild animals are presented as walking, talking cutesy characters rather than creatures that kill each other for food.

November 19

In 1794, the US and Britain sign the Jay Treaty, which resolves issues left over from the Revolutionary War. Wonder if they discussed the official pronunciation of tomato.

Kamala Sukosol will perform her charity concert Music Is My Life at 8 pm on November 19 and 20 at the Thailand Cultural Center. Tickets prices range from 500-3,000 baht at Thai Ticketmaster. Call 02 262 3456.

November 20

Joe Walsh celebrates his birthday (1947). Means nothing to you, right? Wrong � he�s a guitarist with The Eagles.

Planet Media is presenting Su Boonlieng�s Concert at 2 pm on November 20 and 21 at Moonstar Studio. Tickets are 500 baht at Thai Ticketmaster. Call 02 262 3456.

November 21

In 1783, French pilots make the world�s first successful hot-air balloon flight over Paris.