Today in History

Princess Kritika of Nepal.

Inaugural opening of Bibliotheca Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt., a modern library and cultural center commemorating the famed Library of Alexandria that was lost in antiquity

General Augusto Pinochet, former dictator of Chile, arrested in London for extradition on murder charges

Skye Bridge opens over Loch Alsh, Scotland

A baboon heart is transplanted into 15-day-old Baby Fae–the first transplant of the kind–at Loma Linda University Medical Center, California. Baby Fae lives until November 15.

The college of cardinals elects 58-year-old Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, a Pole, the first non-Italian Pope since 1523.

John Mayer, singer, songwriter, musician, producer; won Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (“Your Body is a Wonderland,” 2003).

Israeli General Ariel Sharon crosses the Suez Canal and begins to encircle two Egyptian armies.

Roy Hargrove, jazz trumpeter; won Grammy Awards for albums in 1998 (Habana) and 2002 (Directions in Music).

Tim Robbins, actor, screenwriter, director, producer; won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Mystic River 2003.

Suzanne Somers, actress (Three’s Company TV series).

Ten Nazi war criminals are hanged in Nuremberg, Germany.

Benjamin O. Davis becomes the U.S. Army’s first African American Brigadier General.