November 21, 2011

1,000 years ago
1011

Died on this date
Reizei, 61. Emperor of Japan, 967-969. Reizei, born Norihira-shinnō, acceded to the throne shortly after the death of his father Murakami. He abdicated in favour of his younger brother En'yū, and lived in retirement until his death.

150 years ago
1861

Politics and government
Confederate President Jefferson Davis appointed Judah Benjamin as Secretary of War.

140 years ago
1871

Diplomacy
Grand Duke Alexei, a son of Czar Aleksandr II of Russia, arrived in New York Harbor as the head of a delegation of the Imperial Russian Navy. The Grand Duke spent three months in the United States, with a six-day visit to Canada in December.

120 years ago
1891

Football
Dominion Final
Osgoode Hall 21 @ Montreal 10

90 years ago
1921

Canadiana
King George V proclaimed Canada's Coat of Arms: he designated white and red as the official Canadian colours; on the crest, a red maple leaf was added in the right paw of the lion and three maple leaves joined by one stem in the crest.

80 years ago
1931

Football
CRU
Eastern Semi-Final
University of Western Ontario 7 @ Sarnia (ORFU) 1

The Mustangs punted for 5 singles and added a safety touch as they upset the Imperials before 4,500 fans at Davis Field. Bummer Stirling's single gave the Imperials a 1-0 lead, but that was all the scoring Sarnia managed.

IRFU
Exhibition
Montreal 7 @ Toronto 0

NFL
Cleveland (2-6) 7 @ Providence (4-3-2) 13

NCAA
Southern California 16 @ Notre Dame 14

Johnny Baker's last-minute field goal gave the Trojans the victory over the Ramblers before 52,000 fans in South Bend, Indiana. It was Notre Dame's first loss in three years and their first in their new stadium, which had been dedicated the previous year to their late coach, Knute Rockne.

75 years ago
1936

Football
CRU
IRFU
Finals (1st game of 2-game total points series)
Toronto 1 @ Ottawa 5

Tiny Herman's field goal in the 3rd quarter provided the winning margin for the Rough Riders as they defeated the Argonauts before 10,000 fans at Lansdowne Park. The loss was a costly one for the Argonauts, as captain Wes Cutler broke his leg in the 3rd quarter, halfback Red Storey suffered a shoulder separation, and Howard Conquergood suffered a groin injury.

ORFU
Final
Sarnia 11 Toronto 7 @ London

Ormond Beach rushed 1 yard in the 2nd quarter for the game's only touchdown as the Imperials won their sixth straight ORFU title before 4,000 fans at J.W. Little Memorial Stadium. Mr. Beach's score was set up when Alex McKenzie fumbled a punt--for the second time in as many series of downs--and Sarnia's Alex Norris returned the ball to the Balmy Beach 6-yard line. Toronto was trailing 4-3 at the time, and Mr. Beach's touchdown gave Sarnia a 9-3 halftime lead, which they were able to maintain.

Canadian university
Yates Cup
Queen's 3 @ Toronto 11

Cam Gray kicked 2 field goals and a single to lead the Varsity Blues past the Tricolor before 18,000 fans at Varsity Stadium.

70 years ago
1941

Died on this date
Henrietta Vinton Davis, 81. U.S. actress and social activist. Miss Davis was the most prominent Negro actress of the 19th century before becoming the first international organizer for the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL), an organization founded by Marcus Garvey promoting the interests of Negroes and their return to Africa. She broke with Mr. Garvey in 1932 and became first Assistant President General of the rival UNIA, Inc., becoming its president in 1934.

War
German forces captured Rostov, at the mouth of the Don River.

Defense
U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull and Icelandic Minister to the United States Thor Thors signed a Lend-Lease agreement, with the United States assuming the United Kingdom's financial obligations to Iceland, amounting to $20 million per year. The 35,000-ton battleship Indiana, the third to be launched in 1941 and 20th in the United States Navy, was launched six months ahead of schedule at Newport News, Virginia.

Oil
Standard Oil Company of New Jersey President W.S. Farish announced that the American oil companies whose properties had been expropriated by the Mexican government in 1938 had rejected the U.S.-Mexican oil pact.

Labour
11 pickets were wounded when non-strikers opened fire on 150 strikers at a coal mine in Edenborn, Pennsylvania.

Philip Murray was unanimously re-elected President of the U.S. Congress of Industrial Organizations, and declared that labour would fight any legislative attempt to bar strikes or freeze wages.

60 years ago
1951

War
U.S. Air Force General Hoyt Vandenberg told a Pentagon press conference that the Communists were making a "massive effort" to challenge U.S. air superiority in Korea and had about 1,400 planes (including 700 MiG jets) in the area.

The Palestine Conciliation Commission reported that it had given up its present effort to promote a permanent peace between Israel and the Arab states since neither side would "substantially" compromise on its peace demands.

Diplomacy
The U.S.S.R. protested the inclusion of funds for anti-Communist underground movements in the latest U.S. Mutual Security Act, charging that this was a violation of the 1933 Litvinov agreement under which Soviet-American relations were established.

Law
The Ohio State Supreme Court upheld a loyalty oath program in the Cleveland public schools.

Energy
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's Patent Compensation Board made its first award to Cyril McClellan, who received $7,500 for developing a method of separating isotopes used at Brookhaven Natonal Laboratory.

Disasters
A typhoon swept the central Philippines, causing 60 deaths.

Football
CRU
Eastern Final
Sarnia (ORFU) 17 @ Ottawa (IRFU) 43

Only 4,361 fans showed up at Lansdowne Park on a Wednesday afternoon to see the Rough Riders rout the Imperials to advance to the Grey Cup. Pete Karpuk and Matt Anthony scored 2 touchdowns each for Ottawa. Steve Hatfield of the Rough Riders scored the game's first major, and other Ottawa touchdowns were scored by Bob Simpson and Howie Turner. Bob Gain converted all 7 and added a field goal. Jack "Corky" Duchene rushed for 3 touchdowns for Sarnia; Johnny Chorostecki converted one of them, and added a single.

50 years ago
1961

Hit parade
#1 single in Norway (VG-lista): When the Girl in Your Arms is the Girl in Your Heart--Cliff Richard and the Norrie Paramor Orchestra

When the Girl in Your Arms is the Girl in Your Heart was from the movie The Young Ones (1961).

On television tonight
Alfred Hitchcock Presents, on NBC
Tonight's episode: You Can't Be a Little Girl All Your Life, starring Dick York and Carolyn Kearney

Americana
The Ala Moana Office Building opened in Honolulu; La Ronde, the first revolving restaurant in the United States, was on the 23rd floor.

40 years ago
1971

War
Indian troops, partly aided by Mukti Bahini (Bengali guerrillas), defeated the Pakistan army in the Battle of Garibpur in Bangladesh.

Hockey
NHL
Toronto 4 @ Buffalo 3

This was the Sunday broadcast on CBC radio.

Football
NFL
San Diego (4-6) 33 @ Oakland (7-1-2) 34
San Francisco (6-4) 6 @ Los Angeles (6-3-1) 17
Dallas (8-2) 13 @ Washington (6-3-1) 0
Denver (1-8-1) 10 @ Kansas City (7-2-1) 28
New York Jets (4-6) 20 @ Buffalo (0-10) 7
Minnesota (8-2) 23 @ New Orleans (3-5-2) 10
New York Giants (4-6) 13 @ Pittsburgh (5-5) 17
Philadelphia (3-6-1) 37 @ St. Louis (3-7) 20
Houston (1-8-1) 13 @ Cincinnati (3-7) 28
New England (4-6) 7 @ Cleveland (5-5) 27
Detroit (6-3-1) 28 @ Chicago (6-4) 3
Baltimore (7-3) 14 @ Miami (8-1-1) 17

30 years ago
1981

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (Hit Parade Italia): Bette Davis Eyes--Kim Carnes

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Tainted Love--Soft Cell (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland: Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police

#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): Under Pressure--Queen & David Bowie

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police (3rd week at #1)
2 Pretend--Alvin Stardust
3 R.R. Express--Rose Royce
4 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
5 Super Freak--Rick James
6 Let's Groove--Earth Wind & Fire
7 Ain't No Mountain High Enough/Remember Me--Boys Town Gang
8 Love Games--Level 42
9 O Superman--Laurie Anderson
10 Your Love Still Brings Me To My Knees--Marcia Hines

Singles entering the chart were Should I Do It by the Pointer Sisters (#30); Comin' in and Out of Your Life by Barbra Streisand (#31); Good Year for the Roses by Elvis Costello (#33); Teenage Queenie by Pussycat (#36); and Jantje Beton by Willeke Alberte (#39).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
2 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
3 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
4 Start Me Up--Rolling Stones
5 Here I Am (Just When I Thought I was Over You)--Air Supply
6 Tryin' to Live My Life Without You--Bob Seger
7 The Night Owls--Little River Band
8 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police
9 Arthur's Theme (Best that You Can Do)--Christopher Cross
10 The Theme from Hill Street Blues--Mike Post featuring Larry Carlton

Singles entering the chart were Shake it Up by the Cars (#76); She's Got a Way by Billy Joel (#79); Let Me Love You Once by Greg Lake (#83); If I Were You by Lulu (#85); Blaze of Glory by Kenny Rogers (#86); WKRP in Cincinnati by Steve Carlisle (#87); Come Go with Me by the Beach Boys (#89); and Falling in Love by Balance (#90). WKRP in Cincinnati was the title song from the television comedy series that had been running on CBS since 1978.

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
2 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
3 Arthur's Theme--Christopher Cross
4 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
5 Start Me Up--Rolling Stones
6 Endless Love--Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
7 Here I Am--Air Supply
8 Oh No--Commodores
9 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police
10 The Night Owls--Little River Band

Singles entering the chart were Shake it Up by the Cars (#77); She's Got a Way by Billy Joel (#82); Let Me Love You Once by Greg Lake (#83); If I Were You by Lulu (#84); Come Go with Me by the Beach Boys (#86); My Kinda Lover by Billy Squier (#88); Blaze of Glory by Kenny Rogers (#89); and WKRP in Cincinnati by Steve Carlisle (#93). The Beach Boys' version of Come Go with Me, originally a hit for the Del-Vikings in 1957, originally appeared as a track on the MIU Album in 1978. It was included on the compilation album Ten Years of Harmony in 1981, and was then released as a single.

U.S.A. Top 10 (Record World)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
2 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
3 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
4 Here I Am (Just When I Thought I was Over You)--Air Supply
5 Arthur's Theme (Best that You Can Do)--Christopher Cross
6 Start Me Up--Rolling Stones
7 I've Done Everything for You--Rick Springfield
8 The Night Owls--Little River Band
9 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police
10 Oh No--Commodores

Singles entering the chart included Shake it Up by the Cars (#78); and Let Me Love You Once by Greg Lake (#89).

Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 The Friends of Mr. Cairo--Jon and Vangelis (2nd week at #1)
2 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police
3 Arthur's Theme--Christopher Cross
4 Endless Love--Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
5 Start Me Up--Rolling Stones
6 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
7 No Reply at All--Genesis
8 My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)--Chilliwack
9 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
10 Physical--Olivia Newton-John

Singles entering the chart were More Stars on 45 by Stars on 45 (#39); Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks with Don Henley (#41); I've Done Everything for You by Rick Springfield (#42); Why Do Fools Fall in Love by Diana Ross (#44); The Love of a Woman by Klaatu (#45); Desire by Roni Griffith (#46); Lovin', Kissin' and Huggin' by Powder Blues (#47); and Don't Let Him Know by Prism (#49).

Died on this date
Harry von Zell, 75. U.S. announcer and actor. Mr. von Zell was an announcer for various radio programs, including The March of Time and the shows of comedians such as Eddie Cantor and George Burns in a career spanning more than 40 years. He worked in television in its early years, and starred in his own series of comedy short films for Columbia Pictures (1946-1950). Mr. von Zell died of cancer.

Football
CIAU
Atlantic Bowl
Queen's 14 Acadia 40 @ Halifax

Larry Priestnall rushed for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Axemen to an easy win over the Golden Gaels at Huskies Stadium. Acadia scored 17 points in the first 10 minutes of the game and led 40-0 until Queen's scored 2 converted touchdowns late in the 4th quarter.

Western Bowl
Western Ontario 31 @ Alberta 32

Reg Gilmour's 32-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining in regulation time enabled the defending national champion Golden Bears to advance to the College Bowl again. Mr. Gilmour's kick came on a second-down play, immediately after quarterback Jaimie Crawford had thrown a short sideline pass into the arms of UWO defensive back Bill Harshaw, who dropped it. Mr. Crawford completed 21 of 40 passes for 320 yards and touchdowns of 53 and 55 yards to Troy Ciochetti, and another touchdown to Peter Eshenko. Mr. Gilmour converted all 3 touchdowns and added 2 more field goals and 2 singles. Western running back Greg Marshall rushed for 206 yards and 1 touchdown and was voted the game's most valuable player. Mike Kirkley also rushed for a Mustang touchdown. Western quarterback Andy Rossit completed just 4 of 15 passes for 48 yards, but was able to connect for touchdowns to Craig Board and Ryan Potter. Kevin Rydeard added 4 converts and a field goal. Western scored 21 of its points in the 2nd quarter and 10 in the 3rd. 1,317 fans, including this blogger, were in attendance at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The Golden Bears haven't won such an important game since that cloudy Saturday afternoon. For Mr. Marshall, it turned out to be his last complete game. He was drafted by the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos in 1982, but knee injuries forced him into retirement after 2 1/2 seasons, during which he had seen action for just a handful of plays in 1 regular season game.

NCAA
Utah 28 @ Brigham Young 56

Brigham Young quarterback Jim McMahon passed for 565 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead the Cougars to victory.

25 years ago
1986

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): In the Army Now--Status Quo

On television tonight
Shaka Zulu, on SABC Tonight's episode: Episode 5



At the movies
The animated feature An American Tail, co-produced and directed by Don Bluth, opened in theatres.



Died on this date
Jerry Colonna, 82. U.S. entertainer. Mr. Colonna was a trombonist in various bands, but was best known as a member of the supporting cast of Bob Hope's radio program in the 1940s, introducing catchphrases and singing in an exaggerated style. He retired after a stroke in 1966, and was permanently hospitalized after a heart attack in 1979.

Dar Robinson, 39. U.S. stuntman. Mr. Robinson achieved numerous records and firsts for stunts in movies and elsewhere. He was killed while filming Million Dollar Mystery (1987) when the motorcycle he was riding missed the braking point on a turn and he went over a cliff.

20 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Zigzagging--Zig and Zag (2nd week at #1)

Died on this date
Sonny Werblin, 81. U.S. entertainment and sports executive. David Abraham Werblin began working as an agent with the Music Corporation of America in 1932, and led MCA's television division in the 1950s and '60s. He and partners bought the American Football League's New York Titans in 1963 and renamed them the Jets. In 1965, the Jets signed rookie quarterback Joe Namath to a then-unheard of salary of $427,000 over three years, paving the way for modern highly-paid athletes. Mr. Werblin was bought out by his partners before the 1968 season, just before the Jets went on to win their only (so far) Super Bowl championship. Mr. Werblin built the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey and ran it from 1971-1977, and headed Madison Square Garden and its properties--including the New York Rangers and New York Knickerbockers--from 1978-1984. He died of a heart attack just a few days after the death of his third and youngest son Hubbard, 46.

Diplomacy
The United Nations Security Council chose Boutros Boutros-Ghali to be the new Secretary-General of the UN.

Football
CFL
Thanks to the generosity of Mike "Pinball" Clemons of the Toronto Argonauts, this blogger was in attendance at the Manitoba Cenennial Concert Hall in downtown Winnipeg as the outstanding player awards were handed out. Dan Gallagher was the emcee, and Argonauts' co-owner John Candy made a cameo appearance. Burton Cummings performed, as did Maestro Fresh Wes. British Columbia Lions' quarterback Doug Flutie was named the league's Most Outstanding Player, and Lions' running back Jon Volpe was named Most Outstanding Rookie, beating out Raghib "Rocket" Ismail of the Toronto Argonauts. Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon was among those in attendance.

10 years ago
2001

Died on this date
Gardner McKay, 69. U.S. actor. Mr. McKay was a sculptor and photographer before taking up acting. He was best known for co-starring in the television series Boots and Saddles (1958-1959) and Adventures in Paradise (1959-1962). Mr. McKay quit acting in the late 1960s, and resumed his career as an artist, in addition to writing plays and novels, and teaching writing at several universities. He died of prostate cancer.

Abominations
U.K. singer and music producer Jonathan King was sentenced to seven years in prison for a series of sexual assaults on teenage boys between 1982 and 1987.