James Cameron’s “Avatar” was released in the US. It became the highest-grossing film of all time at the time.
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Project SCORE, the world's first communications satellite, was launched into orbit.
New Jersey became the third state to ratify the US constitution.
Nevada became the first US state with a female-majority legislature, with new appointments taking it to 51%.
The film 'The Color Purple,' based on the novel by Alice Walker, directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in New York.
The modern state of Qatar was founded with Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani as its leader.
