1926: Baird demonstrates TV
John Logie Baird, a Scottish inventor, gives the first public demonstration of a pictorial-transmission machine he calls a televisor. Baird's invention used mechanical rotating disks to scan moving images into electronic impulses.
This information was then transmitted by cable to a screen where it showed up as a low-resolution pattern of light and dark. Baird's first television program showed the heads of two ventriloquist dummies, which he operated in front of the camera apparatus out of view of the audience.
The principle behind transmitting images through electric currents had actually existed since 1875, but Baird was the first to make practical advances in television technology. In 1928, he made the first overseas broadcast from London to New York and the same year demonstrated the first colour television.
His early British broadcasts never reached more than about 100 television sets, but he was responsible for launching a revolution in communication and entertainment.
1996
Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara stages a military coup in Niger.
1996
Germany observers its first Holocaust Remembrance Day.
1995
Manchester United player Eric Cantona is fined £20,000 and banned from playing football for nine months after he attacked a fan who taunted him.
1992
Mike Tyson goes on trial charged with raping an 18 year old contender in the 1991 Miss Black America contest.
1991
In Somali, dictator Muhammad Siyad Barre flees the capital Mogadishu as rebels overrun his palace and take control of the capital.
1985
Coca Cola announces that it will sell its produce in the Soviet Union.
1984
Whilst filming an advert Michael Jackson’s hair is accidentally set on fire. Jackson is hospitalised but recovers.
1980
In Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) opposition leader Robert Mugabe returns to the country after a five year exile.
1967
Three American astronauts are killed as the Apollo spacecraft catches fire in a test run for take off at Cape Kennedy, USA.
1951
The US carries out nuclear tests in the Nevada desert.
1945
World War II: The Red Army liberates the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, in Poland.
1943
World War II: The first entirely American air raid against Germany is launched.
1915
World War I: US troops occupy Haiti.
1302
Poet and politician, Dante Alighieri is exiled from Florence. During his exile he wrote 'The Divine Comedy'.
98
Trajan succeeds Nerva as Roman Emperor.