Historical Events
Film Release
"As Good as It Gets" film released written and directed by James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt
- A Channukah candle is officially lighted in Vatican City for the 1st time to celebrate Hanukkah and to reconcile Roman Catholics and Jews [1]
Ballon d'Or
Ballon d'Or: Barcelona/Inter's Brazilian striker Ronaldo wins his first of 2 best football player in Europe awards ahead of Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatović and Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane
Sports History
Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson is quickest to reach 500 wins (682 games)
NHL Record
Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals
- Terry Nichols found guilty of manslaughter in Oklahoma bombing
- US Agriculture Department estimates it costs $149,820 to raise a child to 18
Famous Weddings
Woody Allen
American filmmaker Woody Allen, 62 weds Soon-Yi Previn 27, adopted daughter of Mia Farrow in civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli in Venice, Italy, presided over by Mayor Massimo Cacciari
Famous Deaths
- Brian Malzard Foss, British psychologist, dies at 76
- Donald Gunn MacRae, British sociologist, dies at 76
- Hrvoje Horvatic, Croatian video artist, dies at 39
- Keith Bentley, English international racing cyclist, dies at 72
- Stanley Cortez, American cinematographer (Magnificent Ambersons), dies at 89
About December 23, 1997
Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 25 years, 5 months and 6 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation Z
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: Candle In The Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight - Elton John
#1 Song: Too Much - Spice Girls
Authors
Civil Rights Activists
Inventors
Kings
Revolutionaries
Scientists