May 12, 2008

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Gifty Boateng!

420 years ago
1588

War
In the French Wars of Religion, King Henry III of France fled Paris after Henry of Guise entered the city and a spontaneous uprising occurred.

120 years ago
1888

Britannica
North Borneo was established as a British protectorate.

Track and field
A crouching start was first used in a race by Charles Sherrill of Yale University.

110 years ago
1898

Politics and government
Louisiana adopted a new constitution with a "grandfather clause" designed to eliminate Negro voters.

100 years ago
1908

Died on this date
Melisio Morales, 69. Mexican composer. Mr. Morales composed 10 operas, two cantatas, and orchestral and choral works. He lived in Europe from 1865-1868, and his success in Florence in 1866 with his opera Ildegonda made him a star in his native country.

Communications
Nathan B. Stubblefield received U.S. patent 887,357 for his Wireless Telephone, using the voice frequency induction system. He said in the patent that it would be useful for "securing telephonic communications between moving vehicles and way stations."

Disasters
Flooding on the St. Lawrence River caused serious damage in many municipalities along Lac St. Louis, Québec.

80 years ago
1928

At the movies
Steamboat Bill, Jr., directed by Charles Reisner, and starring Buster Keaton and Ernest Torrence, opened in theatres.

Crime
Wenceslas de Krupfell, former captain of the Russian Imperial Guard, who killed the divorced wife of Horace Wilford Lord, an American, in October 1927 during a lovers’ quarrel, was sentenced to eight years at hard labour by a court in Nice, France.

75 years ago
1933

Politics and government
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration and Agricultural Adjustment Administration were formed to help the needy and farmers in the United States.

70 years ago
1938

Medicine
Sandoz Labs in Switzerland first manufactured lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), synthesized by Albert Hoffman.

60 years ago
1948

Died on this date
Isidor Achron, 55. Polish-born U.S. pianist and composer. Mr. Achron received his training in Russia but emigrated to the United States in 1922. He accompanied violinist Jascha Heifetz on a number of successful tours over the years. Mr. Achron’s First Piano Concerto premiered at Carnegie Hall, New York, on December 9, 1937, performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir John Barbirolli. A second concerto followed in 1938, but Mr. Achron preferred to perform the first. The rest of his 18 compositions were short, and mainly for violin and piano. Mr. Achron died two weeks after suffering a heart attack.

Europeana
Wilhelmina, Queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ceded the throne to her daughter Princess Juliana effective September 6, 1948, because of ill health.

Music
Attorneys for Soviet composers Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Aram Khachaturian, and Nikolai Miaskovsky sued 20th Century Fox for allegedly unauthorized use of the composers' music in the movie The Iron Curtain. The suit was ultimately unsuccessful, as the works in question had gone into public domain.

Academia
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences named 71 new fellows, including recently-retired U.S. Army General Dwight D. Eisenhower, European Cooperation Administration head Paul Hoffman, and Atomic Energy Commissioner David Lilienthal.

Economics and finance
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure extending the Reconstruction Finance Corporation through mid-1954, but reducing its lending powers from $2 billion to $1.5 billion.

Labour
75,000 Chrysler Corporation workers struck 19 plants in Michigan, Indiana, and California in a wage dispute.

50 years ago
1958

Hit parade
#1 singles in the U.S.A. (Billboard): All I Have to Do is Dream/Claudette--The Everly Brothers (Best Seller--1st week at #1); Twilight Time--The Platters (Disc Jockey--1st week at #1); Witch Doctor--David Seville (Top 100--3rd week at #1)

Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu, an instrumental by Dicky Doo and The Dont's, entered the Billboard Top 40. This shouldn’t be confused with De Do Do Do De Da Da Da by the Police. Another song entering the Billboard Top 40 was Claudette by the Everly Brothers, the B-side of All I Have to Do is Dream. Peaking at #30, Claudette was the first song written by Roy Orbison to achieve chart success.

Defense
The United States performed an atmospheric nuclear test at Eniwetok.

The governments of Canada and the United States formally agreed to form the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), to protect the two countries from the threat of attack by the Soviet Union. NORAD commanded both U.S. and Canadian air defense forces, which included Canadian Air Command, USAF Air Defense Command, Army Air Defense Command, and Naval Forces CONAD/NORAD. CONAD is short for Continental Air Defense.

Politics and government
The Arab Federal State of Jordan and Iraq came into existence after a bill outlining its constitution was ratified by the Iraqi Parliament and signed by King Faisal.

Governor General Vincent Massey read the speech from the throne to open the first session of the new Canadian Parliament, outlining the Progressive Conservative government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's plans for railway and road construction in development of the Northwest Territories.

Society
Speaking at a Washington conference of 350 civil rights leaders, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower urged Negroes to "have patience and forbearance" in their campaign for equal rights.

Baseball
Willie Mays hit the first grand slam in the brief history of the San Francisco Giants, and also belted another home run and a single, scoring 3 runs and batting in 5 in a 12-3 victory over the rival Los Angeles Dodgers before 29,770 fans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Clint Courtney had 3 hits and 2 runs batted in and Neil Chrisley added a 2-run home run to help the Washington Senators defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 before 7,487 fans at Griffith Stadium in Washington. Dick Hyde allowed 5 hits and 1 run--earned--in 5 1/3 innings to get the win after relieving starting pitcher Hal Griggs.

Woodie Held led off the bottom of the 11th inning with a home run off Gerry Staley, who had just entered the game, to give the Kansas City Athletics a 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox before 8,238 fans at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. Murry Dickson, the third Kansas City pitcher of the game, pitched 4 hitless innings to get the win. Chicago starter Ray Moore allowed 8 hits and 1 earned run in 10 innings.

40 years ago
1968

War
The 1st Australian Task Force began the defense of Fire Support Base Coral in the largest unit-level action of the Vietnam War for the Australian Army.

Politics and government
Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s election campaign reached Edmonton. Trudeaumania was on display in full force as 3,000 fans greeted Mr. Trudeau at City Hall. Mr. Trudeau became the first Prime Minister to sign the city’s guest book.

Protest
The "Poor People’s March," sponsored by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under the leadership of Rev. Ralph Abernathy, reached Washington, D.C. Volunteers put up temporary shelters on a 16-acre site dubbed Resurrection City, U.S.A. in West Potomac Park. Coretta Scott King, widow of recently-assassinated Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered a keynote address.

Disasters
10 were reported dead and several missing in floods in western Algeria.

Golf
George Archer won the Greater New Orleans Open with a score of 271. First prize money was $20,000.

30 years ago
1978

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): It's a Heartache--Bonnie Tyler (10th week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Rivers of Babylon--Boney M. (4th week at #1)

#1 single in France (IFOP): How Deep is Your Love--Bee Gees (4th week at #1)

Television
WSKG channel 46 in Binghamton, New York (PBS) began broadcasting.

War
Rebels in Zaire occupied the city of Kolwezi, the mining center of the province of Shaba (now known as Katanga). Tthe local government asked the U.S.A., France, and Belgium to restore order.

The government of South Africa denounced the United States for condemning the South African raids on South-West African People's Organization (SWAPO) on May 4, while ignoring SWAPO attacks.

The U.S.S.R. apologized to China for a boat and helicopter raid at the Manchurian border the day before, claiming that border guards, pursuing criminals, had thought that they were on an island in the Ussuri River, when in fact they had crossed to the Chinese bank.

Weather
The United States Commerce Department said that hurricane names would no longer be only female.

Hockey
WHA
Avco World Trophy
Finals
New England 1 @ Winnipeg 4 (Winnipeg led best-of-seven series 1-0)

Basketball
NBA
Eastern Conference
Finals
Philadelphia 99 @ Washington 101 (Washington won best-of-seven series 4-2)

Western Conference
Finals
Denver 94 @ Seattle 100 (Seattle led best-of-seven series 3-1)

Baseball
The Oakland Athletics scored 7 runs in the top of the 9th inning to defeat the Detroit Tigers 10-4 before 18,367 fans at Tiger Stadium. Oakland designated hitter Gary Alexander batted 4 for 4 with 2 doubles, a home run, and 2 runs, while Jeff Newman, the second Oakland catcher in the game, singled twice in the 9th inning, scoring a run and driving in a run.

Before 33,061 fans at Royals Stadium, Darrell Porter drew a base on balls with 2 out and nobody on base in the bottom of the 9th inning, and a potential game-ending routine fly ball became a game-ending 2-run inside-the-park home run for Amos Otis of the Kansas City Royals as Reggie Jackson and Mickey Rivers collided in the outfield. The misplay turned a sure Goose Gossage save into a 4-3 loss for the defending World Series champion New York Yankees.

Lamar Johnson doubled home 3 runs and scored on a double by Wayne Nordhagen as the Chicago White Sox scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning and held on to edge the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 before 17,953 fans at Comiskey Park in Chicago in a game that was called because of rain after 4 1/2 innings. The Brewers rallied for 3 runs in the 4th and had runners on first and second bases with 1 out in the 5th, but Jim Willoughby relieved starting pitcher Wilbur Wood and retired Larry Hisle on a fly ball for the second out. After Paul Molitor stole third base, Sixto Lezcano struck out to end the inning. The game, which had started after a 46-minute rain delay, was called after another rain delay of 1 hour 21 minutes.

The Montreal Expos scored all their runs in the 6th inning as they overcame an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 before 8,522 fans at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Ross Grimsley pitched the first 6 innings for the Expos and was credited with the win, improving his record for the season to 6-1.

Relief pitcher Tom Dixon singled home Julio Gonzalez with 1 out in the top of the 14th inning to break a 4-4 tie as the Houston Astros 5-4 edged the New York Mets before 8,649 fans at Shea Stadium in New York. New York starting pitcher Craig Swan allowed 3 hits in 7 innings and left with a 2-0 lead, but the Astros tied the game with 2 runs in the 9th. Enos Cabell hit a 2-run home run to put Houston ahead 4-2 in the top of the 11th, but the Mets rallied with 2 in the bottom of the inning to tie the score.

After giving up 5 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to fall behind 6-2, the Chicago Cubs responded with 6 in the top of the 3rd and held on to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-7 before 52,562 fans at Dodger Stadium.

25 years ago
1983

Hit parade
Canada’s Top 30
1 Beat It--Michael Jackson
2 Let’s Dance--David Bowie
3 Midnight Blue--Louise Tucker
4 Jeopardy--Greg Kihn Band
5 I Won’t Hold You Back--Toto
6 Even Now--Bob Seger
7 Overkill--Men at Work
8 Some Kind of Friend--Barry Manilow
9 Little Red Corvette--Prince
10 Time (Clock of the Heart)--Culture Club
11 Safety Dance--Men Without Hats
12 She Blinded Me with Science--Thomas Dolby
13 Always Something There to Remind Me--Naked Eyes
14 Affair of the Heart--Rick Springfield
15 Mr. Roboto--Styx
16 Rio--Duran Duran
17 Twistin’ By the Pool--Dire Straits
18 It Might Be You--Stephen Bishop
19 Mornin’--Al Jarreau
20 Solitaire--Laura Branigan
21 Too Shy--Kajagoogoo
22 So Wrong--Patrick Simmons
23 Electric Avenue--Eddy Grant
24 Love Me Today--Corect Spelling
25 Don’t Let it End--Styx
26 Straight From the Heart--Bryan Adams
27 White Wedding--Billy Idol
28 Flashdance (What a Feeling)--Irene Cara
29 My Love--Lionel Richie
30 Lean On Me--Chilliwack

Died on this date
Hank Schenz, 69. U.S. baseball player. Mr. Schenz, an infielder, played 207 major league games with the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Giants from 1946-1951, batting .247 with 2 home runs. His best season was with the Cubs in 1948, when he hit .261 with 1 home run and 14 runs batted in. Despite playing just 8 games for the Giants as a late-season acquisition, Mr. Schenz was on the roster for the World Series, and ended his career by making one appearance in the Series as a pinch runner.

Weather
It was a beautiful, hot day in Edmonton, the nicest day of the year so far.

Politics and government
The United States Senate voted to reject a budget proposal for fiscal 1984 that was backed by the Reagan Administration, as well as another plan supported by moderate Republicans and some Democrats.

Defense
U.S. President Ronald Reagan, in a letter to the U.S. Senate, said that he would seek new approaches to arms talks with the Soviet Union and that he would bring the U.S. negotiating position in line with the recommendations of the Scowcroft commission. The Senate committee voted to release funds for research and development of the MX missile.

Americana
Julie Lynne Hayek of California was crowned Miss USA.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Finals
New York Islanders 6 @ Edmonton 3 (New York led best-of-seven series 2-0)

20 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Always on My Mind--Pet Shop Boys (11th week at #1)

#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Mahtisonni--Aki & Turo

War
A cease-fire between Hezbollah and Amal militia went into effect in Lebanon. At least 172 people had been killed in the previous six days of fighting.

Diplomacy
U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze concluded a two-day meeting in Geneva, resolving some questions on the intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) treaty, prior to the summit between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, scheduled for later in the month. The two sides exchanged notes agreeing that the treaty banned the use of lasers, particle beams, and other futuristic weapons on medium- and short-range missiles. Problems relating to verification were also resolved.

Politics and government
The White House said that it was "mortified" that some people thought that President Ronald Reagan’s endorsement of Vice-President George Bush as the Republican Party presidential candidate was lukewarm, and that President Reagan, in fact, was "enthusiastic" and "fully committed" to Mr. Bush.

Quebec's National Assembly, with the majority composed of members of the Liberal government of Premier Robert Bourassa, passed a law allowing the creation of le Conseil de la famille (Family Council), with a mandate to explore and investigate major issues interest to families, such as developing the child care system and the automatic payment of child support.

Health
Dr. Claude Lenfant, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, announced that the United States government would cease to finance research on artificial hearts. He said that the human body "just couldn’t seem to tolerate" an artificial heart. All five recipients of permanent implants, which were made between 1982 and 1985, died. William Schroeder, who died in 1986, survived the longest with an artificial heart, 620 days. The HLBI planned to focus its resources on implantable devices that worked with part of the real heart.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Prince of Wales Conference
Finals
Boston 3 @ New Jersey 6 (Best-of-seven series tied 3-3)

Basketball
NBA
Eastern Conference
Semi-Finals
Chicago 105 @ Detroit 95 (Best-of-seven series tied 1-1)

Western Conference
Semi-Finals
Dallas 112 @ Denver 108 (Best-of-seven series tied 1-1)

10 years ago
1998

World events
U.S. President Bill Clinton stated that he planned to invoke sanctions against India under the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act of 1994 because of India’s resumption of nuclear tests.

Protest
Four students were shot and killed at Trisakti University in Indonesia, leading to widespread riots and eventually the fall of President Suharto.

Politics and government
The United States Senate voted 92-8 to restore food stamps to 250,000 legal immigrants and refugees.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Eastern Conference
Semi-Finals
Buffalo 5 @ Montreal 4 (2OT) (Buffalo led best-of-seven series 3-0)

Western Conference
Semi-Finals
Detroit 3 @ St. Louis 2 (2OT) (Detroit led best-of-seven series 2-1)

Michael Peca scored his second goal of the game at 1:24 of the 2nd overtime period as the Sabres edged the Canadiens at Molson Centre.

Brendan Shanahan scored at 11:12 of the 2nd overtime period as the Red Wings edged the Blues at Kiel Center. Al MacInnis scored both St. Louis goals, with his second tying the score with 55 seconds remaining in regulation time.

Basketball
NBA
Western Conference
Semi-Finals
Los Angeles Lakers 110 @ Seattle 95 (Los Angeles won best-of-seven series 4-1)
San Antonio 77 @ Utah 87 (Utah won best-of-seven series 4-1)