The trial of deposed Panamanian dictator, Manuel Noriega, began in the United States. The once strong ally of the United States was deposed after the 1989 United States invasion of Panama. He was found guilty and sentenced to 40 years in prison for crimes related to drug trafficking and racketeering violations.

In Montreal, Canada, an international treaty was signed in an effort to protect the ozone layer from depletion.

The popular TV series, Miami Vice, premiered on the NBC channel. The show enjoyed immense worldwide popularity and run until 1989.

Papua New Guinea gained its independence from Australia.

Malaysia was formed as a federation consisting of the countries of Malaya, Singapore, British North Borneo and Sarawak.

Play-Doh was first introduced to the world. It was invented in 1956 by accident as it was meant to be a wallpaper cleaner.

American magician, David Copperfield, was born in New Jersey, USA. He is one of the most famous illusionists in history with such remarkable feats that include making the Statue of Liberty disappear and walking through the Great Wall of China.

American actor, Mickey Rourke, was born Schenectady, New York. A controversial figure of the American movie industry, who during the early 90's gave up acting and associated himself with the motorcycle group Hells Angels. He also made an attempt at professional boxing, although his age prevented him from actually competing for any title against the top boxers of the time. As of 2000 he has returned to Hollywood and gradually is making his way back to mainstream acting.

President of Argentina, Juan Peron, was deposed after a coup de tat by members of both the army and the navy. Peron remained in exile until 1973.

The United Kingdom and the USSR occupied Iran and forced, Reza Pahlavi the Shah of Persia, to resign in favour of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The action had come about due to the fears that Reza Pahlavi was planning to align his country with Nazi Germany during World War II.

American musician, B. B. King, was born in Berclair, Mississippi. He is widely accepted as one of the most influential figures of the blues musical movement.

American actress, Lauren Bacall, was born in New York City as Betty Joan Perske. She was married to legendary actor Humphrey Bogart and then had a much publicized affair with another legendary figure of the entertainment industry, singer Frank Sinatra.

German physicist, Gabriel Fahrenheit, died at the age of 50. The Fahrenheit scale of temperature was named after him and was used around the world long before the Celsius scale. Currently the USA and Jamaica use the Fahrenheit scale.