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