December 27, 2008

Born on this date
Happy birthday, Marilyn (Wight) Draper!

60 years ago
1948

On the radio
The Adventure of the Speckled Band, starring Howard Marion-Crawford as Sherlock Holmes and Finlay Currie as Dr. Watson, on BBC Home Service

Mr. Marion-Crawford played Dr. Watson in the television series Sherlock Holmes in 1954-1955.

40 years ago
1968

Hit parade
Edmonton's top 10 (CJCA)
1 Abraham, Martin and John--Dion
2 Little Arrows--Leapy Lee
3 Wichita Lineman--Glen Campbell
4 Magic Carpet Ride--Steppenwolf
5 Cinnamon--Derek
6 Hey Jude--The Beatles
7 Chewy Chewy--Ohio Express
8 Son-of-a Preacher Man--Dusty Springfield
9 If I Can Dream--Elvis Presley
10 Scarborough Fair--Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66

Space
Apollo 8's lunar orbital mission ended successfully as the crew of Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 7:51 A.M. Pacific Standard Time. The crew set a speed record of 24,530 miles per hour in re-entering the earth's atmosphere.

30 years ago
1978

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Merry Xmas Everybody--Slade (3rd week at #1)

Merry Xmas Everybody had previously spent two weeks at #1 in December 1973, when it was originally a hit.

Hockey
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins played to a 1-1 tie.

25 years ago
1983

Religion
Approximately 20,000 students arrived in Kansas City, Missouri for the beginning of Campus Crusade for Christ's Christmas Conference, KC '83. This was the only time that CCC held one big North American Christmas conference instead of the usual smaller regional conferences. Campus Crusade founder and president Bill Bright delivered the keynote address on opening night.