International Day for Tolerance: In 1995, UNESCO designated that an annual day be set aside to increase public understanding of the dangers of intolerance, and  to promote respect and the protection of human rights.  In the U.N. Secretary-General’s message on the International Day for Tolerance 2011, Ban Ki-moon says, “Our practice of tolerance must mean more than peaceful coexistence, crucial as that is.  It must be an active understanding fostered through dialogue and positive engagement with others.”

Also on This Day:

1973 Nixon Approves Alaskan Oil Pipeline

On Nov. 16, 1973, President Nixon signed a bill approving the construction of an oil pipeline in Alaska.  Nixon believed it was necessary to use domestic resources, because he said U.S.  reliance on foreign oil was dangerous for the economy.  Environmental groups opposed the project because the pipeline would pass through previously undeveloped wilderness, cut off migration paths and possibly pollute the region.  Tlingit natives opposed the pipeline, claiming that it would be built on land that belonged to them.  Construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline was completed in 1977.

1989 Jesuits Killed in El Salvador

Six Jesuit priests and two caretakers were brutally murdered during the night.  Armed men dragged them from their bedrooms at Jose Simeon Canas University and shot them.

2000 President Clinton Visits Vietnam

President  Clinton was the first president to visit the region since the Vietnam War.

2004 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

President Bush selected Condoleezza Rice to succeed Colin Powell as secretary of state.  She was the first African-American woman to hold the cabinet position.  Before she became secretary of state, Rice served as  national security adviser in the Bush administration.

2001 First Harry Potter Film Hits Theaters in U.S.

The first installment of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” book series is brought to life in a film directed by Chris Columbus.  “ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (also known as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”) stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger.

2010 Prince William and Kate Middleton Announce Engagement

Before the royal wedding of 2011, there was the royal engagement of 2010.  In London, Prince William and his college sweetheart Kate Middleton announced their engagement.  Prince William gave Kate his mother’s engagement ring while the pair were vacationing in Kenya.

  Famous Birthdays

1964 Dwight Gooden

1966 Dean McDermott

1967 Lisa Bonet

1970 Martha Plimpton

1975 Julio Lugo

1977 Oksana Baiul

1977 Maggie Gyllenhaal

1979 Bruce Irons

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