Dateline

Photographs courtesy of AP/AFP/Bangkok Post

October 18

In 1969, the US government bans artificial sweeteners as they cause cancer. Also in 1969, as in other years and other countries, governments hypocritically reap massive rewards from the taxation of cigarettes, which also cause cancer.

October 19

Birthday wishes go to actor Michael Gambon (1940), Hogwarts� new Professor Dumbledore.

In 1998, rock band Aerosmith face a lawsuit filed by a fan who claims to have lost his hearing after attending an Aerosmith concert. Concert fans who have lost their will to live have to wait in line.

October 20

Got a ton of money and want to see a ballet based on a story you know nothing about? Best head to the Thailand Cultural Center at 8 pm for the Stuttgart Ballet�s version of William Shakespeare�s Romeo and Juliet, then. Tickets are 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000 baht from Thai Ticketmaster. Call 02 262 3456 for more information.

Vocalist Bank from Clash turns 22 today.

October 21

In 1879, Thomas Edison invents the electric lightbulb � it lasts 13.5 hours before burning out. Let�s hope they had some candles handy.

Think you�re pretty speedy with your typing? Think again. In 1918, Margaret Owen sets a typing record of 170 words per minute; that�s approximately three words per second.

October 22

Oddly, followers of a religious quack named William Miller expected the world to end on this day in 1844. Even more oddly, when it didn�t, they called the day �The Great Disappointment.�

Throwing birthday parties today are singer Shaggy (1968) and Zac Hanson  (1985).

October 23

Nouveau, Endorphine and Lanna Cummins step up on stage in the Story Of Love Concert at 7 pm at the Indoor Stadium Hua Mark. Tickets are 800, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 baht from Thai Ticketmaster. Call 02 262 3456.

In 1910, King Rama V passes away.

October 24

In 2003, the supersonic airplane Concorde makes its last commercial flight.

Small things that changed the world No. 32: In 1836, Alonzo D. Phillips receives a patent for the first safety match.