FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Today is Friday, September 16, the 259th day of 2011. There are 106 days left in the year.

1662 ― Flamsteed sees solar eclipse, first known astronomical observation

1810 ― Hidalgo begins Mexican revolt against Spain (National Day)

1857 ― Typesetting machine patent

1908 ― General Motors founded by William C. Durant

1963 ― Malaysia formed from Malaya, Singapore, Borneo and Sarawak

1974 ― President Ford announces conditional amnesty for Vietnam War deserters

1982 ― Massacre of 1000-plus Palestinian refugees at Chatila and Sabra begins

1990 ― Iraq televises an eight- minute uncensored speech from George Bush

1990 ― 101 year old Sam Ackerman weds 95 year old Eva in New Rochelle, N.Y.

1991 ― U.S. trial of Panamanian leader Noriega begins