Île-de-France

Did you know? To the world Jim Morrison was the singer of The Doors. To himself he was a poet first. Even in his lifetime he self-published volumes of his own verse, such as "The Lords" and "The New Creatures" – quietly, away from the stage. The words outlived him: years after his death The Doors set music beneath his poetry recordings to create "An American Prayer."

Did you know? In 1989, French Prime Minister Michel Rocard joined Australia's Bob Hawke to oppose plans for mining in Antarctica. Their stand led to the 1991 Madrid Protocol, which bans mining across the entire continent and preserves Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science".

Did you know? On 9 April 1987, Diana, Princess of Wales, opened Britain's first dedicated HIV/AIDS unit — and shook the hand of an AIDS patient, without gloves. At a time when many believed a single touch could infect you, it was a quiet revolution. With that one gesture she did more against the fear than many a public campaign.

Did you know? Deported to Auschwitz at sixteen, Simone Veil carried the tattooed number 78651 for the rest of her life. In 1974, as France's health minister, she faced an almost entirely male National Assembly to legalize abortion. The debate was venomous — swastikas even appeared on her car. She stayed composed, and passed the law that still bears her name: the "Loi Veil."

Today marks 31 years since Emil Cioran (1911–1995) passed away. Romanian-French philosopher and essayist.