Today is Monday, May 11, the 131st day of 2009. There are 234 days left in the year.
1330 _ Constantinople (Istanbul) becomes new capital by Roman Emperor Constantine for Eastern Roman Empire
1812 _ Waltz introduced into English ballrooms _ Most observers consider it disgusting and immoral. No wonder it caught on!
1916 _ Einstein's Theory of General Relativity presented
1924 _ Pulitzer Prize awarded to Robert Frost (New Hampshire)
1949 _ First Polaroid camera sold $89.95 (NYC)
1949 _ By a vote of 37-12, Israel becomes 59th member of U.N.
1949 _ Siam renames itself Thailand
1980 _ Pete Rose, 39, steals second, third and home in one inning for Phillies
1981 _ Andrew Lloyd Webber/TS Eliot's musical ``Cats" premieres in London
1984 _ Transit of Earth as seen on Mars