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more events on August 16
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2012
In South Africa police fire on striking mine workers, killing at least 34.
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1990
Iraq orders 2,500 Americans and 4,000 British nationals in Kuwait to Iraq, in the aftermath of Iraq’s invasion of that country.
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1988
IBM introduces artificial intelligence software.
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1987
Astrological alignment of sun, moon and six planets marks what believers maintain is the dawning of a New Age.
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1986
Sudanese rebels shoot down a Sudanese Airways plane, killing 57 people.
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1984
The safe of the sunken ocean liner Andrea Doria is opened on TV after three decades, revealing cash and certificates but no other valuables.
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1977
Elvis Presley dies of a heart attack in the upstairs bedroom suite area of his Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.
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1972
Emily Robison, singer, musician, songwriter, member of the bestselling Country group Dixie Chicks.
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1967
Ulrika Jonsson, Swedish-born actress, model and UK television personality.
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1965
The Watts riots end in south-central Los Angeles after six days.
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1962
Steve Carell, actor and comedian (The Daily Show with John Stewart, The Office, Evan Almighty).
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1960
Timothy Hutton, youngest actor ever to receive an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (Ordinary People).
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1958
Madonna [Louise Veronica Ciccone], entertainer and singer.
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1945
Suzanne Farrel, ballerina.
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Lieutenant General Jonathan Wainwright, who was taken prisoner by the Japanese on Corregidor on May 6, 1942, is released from a POW camp in Manchuria by U.S. troops.