It happened on a… November 17

2008

“Twilight”, based on the book by Stephenie Meyer, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, premieres in Los Angeles.

2003

Britney Spears, at 21 years old, becomes the youngest singer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997

Mario Lemieux enters NHL Hall of Fame.

1992

“The Bodyguard” movie soundtrack is released by Arista Records (Billboard Album of the Year 1993).

1988

Benazir Bhutto became the first woman leader of an Islamic country. She was elected in the first democratic elections in Pakistan in 11 years.

1987

Blue Jays slugger George Bell named the American League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

1913

The first ship sails through the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

1869

The Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean and the Red seas.

1839

Oberto, Giuseppe Verdi’s first opera, opens at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.

1800

Congress holds its 1st session in Washington, D.C. in an incomplete Capitol Building.

1667

Jean Racine’s “Andromaque” premieres in Paris (chateau du Louvre).

1558

Elizabeth I aged 25, ascends the English throne upon death of her half sister, Queen “Bloody” Mary.