A world record commercial railway train speed of 311 mph (500 kph) was achieved by Shanghai Transrapid Railway Systems.
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Michelle Obama published her memoir 'Becoming.'
English scientist Robert Hooke was appointed Curator of Experiments at The Royal Society, London, England.
American Airlines Flight 587 from New York City to the Dominican Republic crashed during takeoff.
The musical 'Grand Hotel' was first performed at the Martin Beck Theater in New York City.
Harper and Brothers published Lew Wallace's novel 'Ben-Hur: a Tale of the Christ.'