Moments in Time: Ella Fitzgerald
The History Channel
On Nov. 17, 1991, Fox aired the first condom ad on network TV during the teen sitcom "Herman's Head," inspired by increasing anxiety about the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
On Nov. 18, 1996, exotic bird expert and protector Tony Silva was sentenced to seven years in prison for heading an illegal parrot-smuggling operation -- one of many people to be arrested during Operation Renegade, a three-year international investigation into bird smuggling by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Law Enforcement.
On Nov. 19, 1969, Brazilian soccer star Pelé, considered one of the greatest players in his sport, scored his 1,000th professional goal in a game, against Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.
On Nov. 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement received a U.S. patent for the country's first pedal bicycle. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to capitalize on his invention. Failing to acquire enough funds to open a factory, he sold the rights to the patent in 1868 and died in obscurity in 1881.
On Nov. 21, 1934, a teenage and terrified Ella Fitzgerald stepped on the stage at Harlem's Apollo Theater to participate in Amateur Night after her name was drawn from a hat. At the time an aspiring dancer, she spontaneously decided to sing instead, not only winning the competition after a rough start, but unknowingly setting her feet on the path to becoming a music legend.
On Nov. 22, 1986, 20-year-old Mike Tyson knocked out 33-year-old Trevor Berbick in only five minutes and 35 seconds to become the youngest titleholder ever. He had won all 27 of the matches he'd previously fought, knocking out 26 of his opponents.
On Nov. 23, 2002, John Herrington became the first Native American in space when he set out on a mission to the International Space Station. In honor of his heritage, he brought along several eagle feathers, a traditional wooden flute, a few arrowheads and the flag of the Chickasaw Nation.
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