July 15, 2009

910 years ago
1099

War
Christian soldiers took the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final assault of a difficult siege.

860 years ago
1149

Religion
The reconstructed Church of the Holy Sepulchre was consecrated in Jerusalem.

710 years ago
1299

Died on this date
Eirik II, 30 or 31. King of Norway, 1280-1299. Eirik II was made a junior king by his father King Magnus VI in 1273, and became the sole king upon his father's death. Norway was ruled by a royal council while King Eirik II was a minor, and retained considerable influence after he came of age in 1282, a year after his marriage to Princess Margaret of Scotland. Eirik II's reign was characterized by war with Denmark, and he was known as the "priest hater" for his unfriendly relations with the Roman Catholic Church. King Eirik II died without sons, and was succeeded on the throne by his brother Haakon V.

240 years ago
1779

Born on this date
Clement Clarke Moore. U.S. theologian and author. Mr. Moore was an Episcopalian seminary professor in New York who was best known for his poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, which was first published anonymously in 1823. He died on July 10, 1863, five days before his 84th birthday.

220 years ago
1789

Died on this date
Jacques Duphly, 74. French musician and composer. Mr. Duphly was a harpsichordist who published four volumes of works for harpsichord.

Defense
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was named by acclamation Colonel General of the new National Guard of Paris.

210 years ago
1799

Born on this date
Reuben Chapman. U.S. politician. Mr. Chapman, a Democrat, represented Alabama in the U.S/ House of Representatives from 1835-1847 and was Governor of Alabama from 1847-1849. He died on May 17, 1882 at the age of 82.

Archaeology
French soldiers uncovered the Rosetta Stone in Fort Julien, near the Egyptian port city of Rashid.

140 years ago
1869

Technology
Margarine was patented in France by Hippolyte Mege Mouries.

110 years ago
1899

Born on this date
Seán Lemass. Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, 1959-1966. Mr. Lemass, a member of Fianna Fáil, represented Dublin South (1924-1948) and Dublin South-Central (1948-1969) in the Dáil Éireann> He held various cabinet posts, including Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) (1945-1948, 1951-1954, 1957-1959). Mr. Lemass became leader of Fianna Fáil and Prime Minister when Éamon de Valera resigned to take office as President of Ireland. Mr. Lemass became known as the "father of modern Ireland" for his modernizing initiatives in such areas as education, industry, and foreign investment. He resigned as Taoiseach and party leader in November 1966, and was succeeded by Jack Lynch. Mr. Lemass, a heavy smoker of pipes, died on May 11, 1971 at the age of 81.

100 years ago
1909

Born on this date
Jean Hamburger. French physician. Dr. Hamburger was a nephrologist who was best known for performing the first kidney transplant between living patients, at Necker Hospital in Paris. Dr. Hamburger died on February 1, 1992 at the age of 82.

90 years ago
1919

Died on this date
Emil Fischer, 66. German chemist. Dr. Fischer was awarded the 1902 Nobel Prize in Chemistry "[for] his work on sugar and purine syntheses."

75 years ago
1934

Baseball
The Detroit Tigers, behind the pitching of Schoolboy Rowe, defeated the New York Yankees 8-3 to extend their lead over the Yankees in the American League to 1½ games. Lou Gehrig led the Yankees’ attack with 3 doubles and a single in 4 at bats.

70 years ago
1939

Baseball
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the New York Giants 8-4 before 17,881 fans at the Polo Grounds in New York in a game that featured a rhubarb over a ball hit near the left field foul line by Harry Craft of the Reds. Billy Jurges of the Giants and umpire George Magerkurth spat at each other, and both ended up being suspended for 10 days and fined $150.

60 years ago
1949

On television tonight
Your Show Time, hosted and narrated by Arthur Shields, on NBC
Tonight's episode: A Lodging for the Night, starring Eva Gabor and Stanley Waxman

This was the 26th and last episode of the series.

Diplomacy
Communist authorities in Shanghai closed down the city's U.S. Information Service office.

Czechoslovakian tennis champions Jaroslav Drbny and Vladimir Cernik defied a government order to return from a meet in Gstaad, Switzerland, and announced their intention of applying for entry to the United States.

Defense
The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted to cut $1.1 billion from the fiscal 1950 military budget, including $799 million authorized by the House of Representatives for an increase in Air Force strength.

Economics and finance
U.S. and U.K military authorities gave German economic administrators in their occupation zones greater control over rationing and other economic measures.

U.S. President Harry Truman signed the public housing-slum clearance bill, the first major part of his legislative program passed by Congress.

Labour
A nationwide steel strike in the United States was averted when U.S. Steel and other large producers accepted U.S. President Truman's proposal for a 60-day extension of the current contract and creation of a three-man board to investigate the wage and pension dispute.

The United Auto Workers of America ended its six-day convention in Milwaukee after voting to continue to continue pressing for wage increases and authorizing union leaders to raise an $8 million-$10 million strike fund.

50 years ago
1959

Died on this date
Ernest Bloch, 78. Swiss-born U.S. composer. Mr. Bloch moved to the United States in 1916 and became an American citizen in 1924. He taught at various schools before settling in Agate Beach, Oregon. Mr. Bloch composed orchestral, instrumental, chamber, and other works, often expressing his Jewish religious beliefs. He died of cancer, nine days before his 79th birthday.

Diplomacy
Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, in London for a four-day "economic diplomacy" mission to the United Kingdom, promised that Japan would never adopt neutralist policies amidst "the uncertainties of the Far East."

Politics and government
French President Charles de Gaulle formally installed the first French Community Senate, composed of 155 members from metropolitan France and 129 members from French overseas territories.

The U.S. Senate passed, but the House of Representives failed to approve, a bill giving home rule to the District of Columbia.

Vancouverana
Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Queen Elizabeth Theatre; the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra then performed a gala concert under the batons of Sir Ernest MacMillan and Nicholas Goldschmidt, with soloists Betty-Jean Hagen (violin) and soprano Lois Marshall.

Business
A U.S. Claims Court upheld the legality of the Dixon-Yates contract and ordered the government to pay the private power group $1,867,545 for expenses incurred before the government cancelled the contract.

Labour
500,000 United Steel Workers of America members went on strike against 28 companies in a wage and working rules dispute.

Football
CFL
Pre-Season
Edmonton (1-0) 15 @ Calgary (0-1) 10

40 years ago
1969

Hit parade
#1 single in Switzerland (Swiss Hitparade): Oh Happy Day--The Edwin Hawkins Singers

Austria's Top 10 (Ö3)
1 The Ballad of John and Yoko--The Beatles
2 Israelites--Desmond Dekker and the Aces
3 Dizzy--Tommy Roe
4 Proud Mary--Creedence Clearwater Revival
5 Er steht im Tor--Wencke Myhre
6 Games People Play--Joe South
7 Tomorrow Tomorrow--The Bee Gees
8 Mendocino--Sir Douglas Quintet
9 Get Back--The Beatles with Billy Preston
10 Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'--Crazy Elephant

Singles entering the chart were The Ballad of John and Yoko; Israelites; Er steht im Tor; Tomorrow Tomorrow; Mendocino; Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures) by the 5th Dimension (#11); Oh Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers (#12); Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival (#13); Pretty Belinda by Chris Andrews (#14); Das Mädchen Carina by Roy Black (#15); Love Me Tonight by Tom Jones (#16); Tschitti Tschitti Bäng Bäng by Rex Gildo (#17); and Martin by Mireille Mathieu (#20). Tschitti Tschitti Bäng Bäng was a version of the title song of the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968).

War
United States Defense Secretary Melvin Laird told U.S. Senators that in his opinion the United States had "turned the corner" toward peace in Vietnam. He also said that U.S. commanders had received no change in their battle orders to maintain "maximum pressure."

Politics and government
Ed Schreyer was sworn in as Premier of Manitoba, leading the province's first New Democratic Party government.

Disasters
21 people were killed and only 4 survived when a bus filled with Dutch vacationers plunged into the Meuse River near Dinant, Belgium.

Baseball
Shortstop Al Weis hit his first home run of the season to help the New York Mets defeat the Chicago Cubs 9-5 before 38,608 fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago to reduce the Cubs’ lead over the Mets in the National League East Division to 3½ games.

The Pittsburgh Pirates scored 8 runs in the 1st inning and coasted to a 9-3 win over the Montreal Expos before 20,876 fans at Jarry Park in Montreal. Luke Walker pitched a 3-hit complete game for his first win of the season, while losing pitcher Gary Waslewski, who had allowed just 1 earned run in a 10-inning no decision in his most recent start, allowed 5 hits, 2 bases on balls, and 8 runs--3 earned--in 2/3 inning. The last 5 runs of the 1st inning scored after Montreal second baseman Angel Hermoso made an error on a ground ball for what should have been the third out.

Lee May hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 runs in each game for the Cincinnati Reds as they split a doubleheader with the Atlanta Braves, losing the first game 9-8 and winning the second game 10-4 before 25,088 fans at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.

Reggie Smith batted 5 for 5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 runs batted in to help the Boston Red Sox defeat the New York Yankees 7-6 in the first game of a twi-night doubleheader before 26,133 fans at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees scored 3 runs in the 8th inning to support Stan Bahnsen's 6-hit pitching as they won the second game 4-1. Joe Lahoud hit a home run with 1 out in the top of the 9th to ruin Mr. Bahnsen's bid for a shutout.

With U.S. President Richard Nixon in attendance along with daughter Tricia, son-in-law David Eisenhower, and astronaut Frank Borman, the Washington Senators defeated the Detroit Tigers 7-3 before 16,122 fans at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington. Second baseman Tim Cullen led the Washington attack, batting 3 for 4 with his first home run of the season, a double, 2 runs, and 4 runs batted in. The Tigers pulled off the major leagues' first triple play of the season in the 5th inning when Washington shortstop Ed Brinkman grounded to third baseman Don Wert, who stepped on third base to force out Paul Casanova, and threw to second baseman Ike Brown to force out Barry Moore; Mr. Brown then threw to first baseman Bill Freehan to retire Mr. Brinkman.

Blue Moon Odom pitched a 6-hit complete game victory to improve his 1969 record to 13-3 and hit a 3-run home run--his 3rd homer of the season--to climax a 5-run 6th inning as the Oakland Athletics beat the Seattle Pilots 6-2 before 12,228 fans at Sick's Stadium in Seattle. Jim Odom, no relation to Blue Moon, was the home plate umpire.

30 years ago
1979

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Lay Your Love on Me--Racey (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: Pop Muzik--M (3rd week at #1)

Austria's Top 10 (Ö3)
1 One Way Ticket--Eruption
2 Casanova--Luv'
3 Pop Muzik--M
4 Rasta Man--Saragossa Band
5 Und manchmal weinst du sicher ein paar Tränen--Peter Alexander
6 Born to Be Alive--Patrick Hernandez
7 Hot Stuff--Donna Summer
8 Can I Reach You--Jack Goldbird
9 Sunday Girl--Blondie
10 Fire--Pointer Sisters

Singles entering the chart were Pop Muzik; Sunday Girl; Dancer by Gino Soccio (#17); The Sea-Fare Folk (Hey-Ho and Up She Rises) by Cherry Laine (#21); and How Could This Go Wrong by Exile (#25).

Died on this date
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Bolaños, 68. 29th President of Mexico, 1964-1970. Mr. Díaz Ordaz, a member of the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (Institutional Revolutionary Party) (PRI), represented Puebla's 1st District in the Chamber of Deputies from 1943-1946, and represented Puebla in the Chamber of Senators from 1946-1952. He was Mexico's Secretary of the Interior from 1958-1963, and received almost 89% of the vote in the 1964 presidential election. Mr. Díaz Ordaz's presidency was best known for the violent suppression of student protests in Mexico City just prior to the Summer Olympic Games in October 1968. Mr. Díaz Ordaz passed the presidency on to Luis Echeverría in 1969 and retired from public life, with the brief exception of a few months as Ambassador to Spain in 1977, when he resigned after protests against his appointment. He died of colorectal cancer.

Energy
In what became known as his "national malaise" speech, U.S. President Jimmy Carter addressed the nation, and linked the energy crisis with a "crisis of confidence" he felt the country was going through. Mr. Carter said that he had decided "to reach out and listen to the voices of America," and had invited leaders from many sectors of American life to consult with him at Camp David from July 6-11. The talks had led President Carter to conclude that "the problems of our nation are much deeper than the gasoline lines," and that the root problem was "a loss of a unity of purpose for our nation" and "an erosion of confidence in the future that is threatening the very fabric of America." After describing what he saw as the origins of the crisis, he added: "On the battlefield of energy we can win for our nation a new confidence and we can seize control again of our common destiny." In his 33-minute speech, Mr. Carter announced a new 6-point energy program which included: limiting oil imports to 1977 levels; creating an Energy Security Corporation to produce enough alternative fuels by 1990 to replace 2.5 million barrels of imported oil per day; a proposal to make utilities reduce their use of oil by 50% by 1990 by converting to coal and other substitute fuels; creating an Energy Mobilization Board to enhance conservation efforts; and seeking mandatory conservation measures and more aid for mass transit and the energy needs of the poor.



Politics and government
Morarji Desai resigned as Prime Minister of India after a 12-day parliamentary crisis that threatened to plunge the country into political chaos.

Sport
The 8th Pan-American Games concluded in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The United States led the medal parade with 264 (127 gold, 92 silver, 45 bronze), followed by Cuba with 146 (65-49-32) and Canada with 135 (24-44-67).

Baseball
In the Class A New York-Pennsylvania League, the Geneva Cubs scored 15 runs in the top of the 9th inning to complete a 29-4 whipping of the Utica Blue Jays in Utica. Scott Fletcher led the Geneva attack with 2 singles, 4 doubles, a home run, and 8 runs batted in.

25 years ago
1984

Football
CFL
British Columbia (2-0) 39 @ Toronto (1-2) 29
Montreal (1-1) 32 @ Saskatchewan (0-2-1) 16



20 years ago
1989

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Viva la mamma--Edoardo Bennato

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Marina (Remix 89)--Rocco Granata & the Carnations (4th week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): No More Boleros--Gerard Joling (5th week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Johnny, Johnny Come Home--Avalanche (7th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)--Soul II Soul featuring Caron Wheeler (4th week at #1)

Austria's Top 10 (Ö3)
1 Nur ein Lied--Thomas Forstner (7th week at #1)
2 Americanos--Holly Johnson
3 Eternal Flame--Bangles
4 The Look--Roxette
5 Looking for Freedom--David Hasselhoff
6 Ready for Radetzky--Vienna Lusthouse
7 Zimbabwe--Toni Childs
8 Express Yourself--Madonna
9 If You Don't Know Me by Now--Simply Red
10 Lullaby--The Cure

Singles entering the chart were Keep on Movin' by Soul II Soul (#18); Manchild by Neneh Cherry (#19); Das Omen (Teil 1) by Mysterious Art (#22); and Batdance by Prince (#25).

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 No More Bolero's--Gerard Joling (5th week at #1)
2 Marina--Rocco & the Carnations
3 Licence to Kill--Gladys Knight
4 Batdance--Prince
5 Manchild--Neneh Cherry
6 Little Jackie Wants to Be a Star--Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
7 It's the First Time--Loïs Lane
8 Patience--Guns N' Roses
9 Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)--Soul II Soul
10 Amor de Mis Amores--Paco

Singles entering the chart were Breakthru by Queen (#23); Just Keep Rockin' by Double Trouble & the Rebel MC (#26); Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson (#27); Friends by Jody Watley with Eric B. & Rakim (#28); Joy and Pain by Donna Allen (#29); Waltz Darling by Malcolm McLaren and the Bootzilla Orchestra (#35); and More than I Can Say by Justian & Mandy (#38).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 If You Don't Know Me by Now--Simply Red
2 Express Yourself--Madonna
3 Good Thing--Fine Young Cannibals
4 Toy Soldiers--Martika
5 Baby Don't Forget My Number--Milli Vanilli
6 Batdance--Prince
7 Miss You Like Crazy--Natalie Cole
8 What You Don't Know--Expose
9 The Doctor--The Doobie Brothers
10 So Alive--Love and Rockets

Singles entering the chart were Hangin' Tough by New Kids on the Block (#71) and Jackie Brown by John Mellencamp (#89).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Good Thing--Fine Young Cannibals (2nd week at #1)
2 Baby Don't Forget My Number--Milli Vanilli
3 Express Yourself--Madonna
4 If You Don't Know Me by Now--Simply Red
5 I Drove All Night--Cyndi Lauper
6 Satisfied--Richard Marx
7 This Time I Know it's for Real--Donna Summer
8 Miss You Like Crazy--Natalie Cole
9 Toy Soldiers--Martika
10 What You Don't Know--Expose

Singles entering the chart were If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher (#74); 18 and Life by Skid Row (#90); and Turned Away by Chuckii Booker (#94).

Economics and finance
The leaders of the world’s seven largest industrial nations, at their annual summit in Paris, endorsed increased western economic aid for Poland and Hungary, where far-ranging reforms were taking place.

Baseball
Before an Old-Timers Day crowd of 50,124 at Yankee Stadium, the Kansas City Royals defeated the New York Yankees 7-1. Bobby Davidson made his only major league appearance, pitching the 9th inning for the Yankees, and giving up a 2-run home run to George Brett. Mr. Davidson's story was told in the book Once Around the Bases by Richard Tellis (1998).

10 years ago
1999

Died on this date
Dick Richardson, 65. U.K. boxer. Mr. Richardson, a native of Wales, was a heavyweight who compiled a record of 31-14-2 in a professional career from 1954-1963, and was European heavyweight champion from 1960-1962. Mr. Richardson was a dirty fighter who was disqualified twice in his career for head-butting, and should have been disqualified in his title defense against Brian London in 1960. Mr. Richardson operated a chain of butcher shops after his boxing days, and died of cancer.

War
Bernard Kouchner, head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo responsible for re-establishing civil government, arrived in the Yugoslavian province.

Diplomacy
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak arrived in Washington for the beginning of a summit with U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Politics and government
The United States Senate, voting largely along party lines, approved a so-called "patients’ bill of rights" by a margin of 53-47. The bill, which Democrats opposed, and President Bill Clinton threatened to veto, aimed to protect patients enrolled in health insurance plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Patients in employer-sponsored health plans would be allowed to appeal denials of coverage for treatment. Democrats argued that too few Americans were protected under the bill and that too few protections were offered.

Football
CFL
Toronto (0-2) 27 @ Winnipeg (1-1) 47
Calgary (1-1) 27 @ British Columbia (2-0) 37



Baseball
44,607 were in attendance to see the San Diego Padres score 2 runs in the top of the 9th inning to defeat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 in the first major league game at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Roger Cedeno doubled home Benny Agbayani with 2 out in the top of the 10th inning to break a 9-9 tie as the New York Mets edged the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10-9 before 19,384 fans at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The Devil Rays had scored a run in the 8th and 3 in the 9th to send the game into extra innings.

The Florida Marlins scored 3 runs in the 7th inning and 4 in the 9th to overcome a 5-1 deficit and defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6 before 25,072 fans at SkyDome in Toronto.

With 2 out and nobody on base in the bottom of the 9th inning, 3 straight Texas Rangers walked to load the bases, and Mark McLemore doubled them all home to give the Rangers a 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks before 33,328 fans at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Olmedo Saenz hit a 3-run home run with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the Oakland Athletics an 11-9 win over the San Francisco Giants before 29,428 fans at Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland. The Giants led 9-4 after 6½ innings.

Bartolo Colon allowed 3 hits in 8 innings and Michael Jackson retired the side in order in the 9th for the Cleveland Indians as they shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0 before 39,620 fans at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. Roberto Alomar provided the scoring when he doubled home Kenny Lofton and Omar Vizquel with 2 out in the top of the 3rd inning against Jason Schmidt, who allowed 7 hits and 2 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.

Relief pitcher Rich Croushore drew a base on balls to lead off the bottom of the 13th inning, and when Darren Bragg followed with a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Greg Norton made a throwing error that allowed Mr. Croushore to score his only major league run, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox before 40,528 fans at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis. Mr. Croushore pitched 3 hitless and scoreless innings, allowing just 1 baserunner in getting the win.

The Houston Astros overcame a 6-0 deficit with 3 runs in the 5th inning, 2 in the 6th, and 3 in the 7th to defeat the Detroit Tigers 8-6 before 32,573 fans at the Astrodome.