A world record commercial railway train speed of 311 mph (500 kph) was achieved by Shanghai Transrapid Railway Systems.
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British comedy TV series 'Absolutely Fabulous' aired for the first time.
Harper and Brothers published Lew Wallace's novel 'Ben-Hur: a Tale of the Christ.'
Pudge Heffelfinger played his first paid game, making him the first professional American Football player.
American Airlines Flight 587 from New York City to the Dominican Republic crashed during takeoff.
Jackie Chan was awarded an honorary Oscar at the 8th Annual Governors Awards for starring in over 200 movies.