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December 17In 1989, the first episode of popular animated television series The Simpsons airs in the United States. In 2005, Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicates the throne as King of Bhutan. |
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December 18Until the end of the month at Bangkok University Art Gallery on Rama 4 Road, see School of Bangkok: Faculty Show, an exhibition of mixed-media works by more than 20 artists from different university faculties. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. For more details, call 02 350 3626. In 1956, Japan joins the United Nations. |
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December 19See popular stars Tata Young, Koh Mr. Saxman, Gam the Star, Ford Sobchai, Makoto Koshinaka (Lucifer) and more perform songs written by His Majesty the King at the Jazz for His Majesty concert. The performers hit the stage at 7 pm at Royal Paragon Hall. Tickets are 2,000 to 6,000 baht at Thai Ticketmajor. For more information, call 02 565 3456. In 1972, the last manned flight to the moon, NASA’s Apollo 17, returns to Earth. |
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December 20In 1981, the award-winning stage musical Dreamgirls makes its debut at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. In 1987, passenger ferry Dona Paz sinks after colliding with the Vector 1 oil tanker in the Tablas Strait in the Philippines, killing an estimated 4,000 people. |
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December 21In 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the world’s first full-length animated movie, premiers at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. In 1913, the world’s first crossword puzzle is published in the New York World newspaper. |
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December 22Happy Birthday to Welsh Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey James Edwards (1967), who mysteriously disappeared in 1995. In 1851, in Roorkee, India, the first freight train is operated. |
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December 23In 1958, Tokyo Tower, at the time the world’s tallest self-supporting iron tower, is officially opened. In 1972, a huge earthquake strikes the Nicaraguan capital of Managua, killing more than 10,000 people. |
