November 26, 2011

280 years ago
1731

Born on this date
William Cowper. U.K. poet and hymnist. Mr. Cowper was a forerunner of English romantic poetry, writing of everyday life and the countryside. He was a devout Christian, despite suffering intermittent bouts of doubt and insanity, writing hymns that included Light Shining out of Darkness (1773). Mr. Cowper was a close friend of John Newton, and the two were associated in campaigning against slavery. Mr. Cowper died of dropsy on April 25, 1800 at the age of 68.

160 years ago
1851

Died on this date
Jean-de-Dieu Soult, 1st Duke of Dalmatia, 82. Prime Minister of France, 1832-1834, 1839-1840, 1840-1847. Marshal of the Empire Soult served in the Revolutionary Wars in the 1790s and the Penisular War against Portugal (1808-1812), engaging in large-scale looting in the latter. Marshal Soult fought in Germany and in the Battle of Waterloo (1815), suffering several defeats by Allied forces under the Duke of Wellington. Marshal Soult went into exile in Germany until being recalled to France in 1819. He created the French Foreign Legion in 1831, and served three terms as Prime Minister, also serving as Minister of War (1830-1834, 1840-1845).

120 years ago
1891

Born on this date
Scott Bradley. U.S. composer and conductor. Mr. Bradley was an organist who became known for composing and conducting music for cartoons, including those starring Tom and Jerry, Droopy, Barney Bear, Screwy Squirrel, and George and Junior. He died on April 27, 1977 at the age of 85.

110 years ago
1901

Born on this date
William Sterling Parsons. U.S. military officer. Rear Admiral Parsons joined the U.S. Navy in 1922, and trained in ordnance and ballistics. He joined the Manhattan Project in 1943 under J. Robert Oppenheimer, and was the weaponeer on the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Rear Adm. Parsons remained a close friend and associate of Dr. Oppenheimer after the war, and was disturbed by the revocation of Dr. Oppenheimer's security clearance. Just hours after hearing of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "blank wall" directive denying Dr. Oppenheimer access to classified material, Rear Adm. Parsons began experiencing chest pains, and he died the next day, December 5, 1953, nine days after his 52nd birthday, while doctors were examining him at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

100 years ago
1911

At the movies
The Courting of Mary, directed by James Kirkwood and George Loane Tucker, and starring Mary Pickford, opened in theatres. It was the first release from the Majestic Motion Picture Company.

Born on this date
Samuel Reshevsky. Polish-born U.S. chess player. Mr. Reshevsky was a child prodigy who moved to New York City with his parents in 1920. He was an accountant who won the U.S. championship eight times, and was a major contender for the world championship from the mid-1930s to the mid-'60s. Mr. Reshevsky was granted the title of international grandmaster in 1950, and wrote several books on chess. He died on April 4, 1992 at the age of 80.

90 years ago
1921

Football
CRU
Eastern Final
Parkdale Canoe Club (ORFU) 8 @ Toronto Argonauts (IRFU) 16

NCAA
Navy 7 Army 0 @ Polo Grounds, New York

80 years ago
1931

Football
NFL
Green Bay (11-1) 38 @ Providence (4-4-2) 7
New York (5-6) 6 @ Staten Island (4-6-1) 9
Chicago Cardinals (4-4) 7 @ Chicago Bears (7-3) 18

75 years ago
1936

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Louis Hector and Harry West, on MBS
Tonight's episode: The Hound of the Baskervilles, Part 2

70 years ago
1941

Died on this date
Ernest Lapointe, 65. Canadian politician. Mr. Lapointe, a Liberal, represented Kamouraska in the House of Commons from 1904-1919 and Quebec East from 1919 until his death. He was Minister of Marine and Fisheries in the Government of Prime Minister Mackenzie King from 1921-1924, and Minister of Justice from 1924 until his death. Mr. Lapointe served as Mr. King's "Quebec lieutenant," as Mr. King did not speak French, and had little interest in Quebec affairs.

Movies
New York Roman Catholic Archbishop Francis Spellman issued a pastoral letter denouncing Two-Faced Woman as "dangerous to public morals." It was the first time a movie had been so singled out.

Literature
The Limited Editions Club awarded its gold medal to Ernest Hemingway for his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls, chosen as the book published in the previous three years that was most likely to become a classic.

War
Japan's 1st Air Fleet departed Hitokappu Bay for Hawaii. Soviet forces recaptured Rostov and drove German troops on the southern front back 50 miles to the Mius River. Dispatches reported that German forces were driving toward Stalinogorsk, 120 miles southeast of Moscow, in an apparent attempt to encircle the capital.

Diplomacy
U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull presented the Outline of Proposed Basis for Agreement Between the United States and Japan to Japanese Ambassador to the U.S.A. Kichisaburō Nomura, demanding that Japan withdraw from China and French Indochina, in return for which the United States would lift economic sanctions.

Asiatica
The Lebanese government issued a proclamation in Beirut declaring the independence of Lebanon under Free French and British protection.

Scandal
The U.S. Senate committee investigating defense contracts heard testimony that waste and nepotism were extensive in the building of a shell-loading plant in Milan, Tennessee. Committee Chairman Sen. Harry Truman (Democrat--Missouri) said that the evidence was "shocking."

The Panamanian government ordered the arrest of Third Vice President Anibal Rios, now in Colombia, on charges of peculation while he was Panama's Minister of Education.

Economics and finance
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 218-63 to defeat Rep. Albert Gore's (Democrat--Tennessee) amendment to the price control bill freezing wages, prices, and rents.

Labour
American Federation of Labor President William Green, Congress of Industrial Organizations President Philip Murray, CIO Secretary James Carey, and Socialist Party leader Norman Thomas expressed opposition to anti-strike legislation now being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives Labor Committee.

60 years ago
1951

On television tonight
Lights Out, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Beyond the Door, starring Richard Greene, Gregory Morton, and Lenka Peterson

Defense
NATO Supreme Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower asked a closed session of the North Atlantic Council in Rome for a NATO army of about 40 active and reserve divisions by 1953, and a 100-division force by the end of 1954.

The U.S.A. and the Dominican Republic signed a 10-year agreement permitting the United States to set up installations on Dominican soil to track and control experimental guided missiles.

Religion Pope Pius XII responded to protests against his statement on abortions by saying that the Roman Catholic Church sometimes sanctioned saving a mother's life at the cost of the life of her unborn child.

50 years ago
1961

Football
CFL
Eastern Finals
Toronto 2 @ Hamilton 48 (OT) (Hamilton won 2-game total points series 55-27)

The Argonauts carried a 25-7 lead into Civic Stadium for the second game, but the Tiger-Cats dominated regulation time, leading 20-2 after 60 minutes. A single by Don Sutherin on a missed field goal in the 1st quarter and a safety touch when Toronto's Ron Morris intercepted a pass from Bernie Faloney on his own 1-yard line and was tackled in his end zone in the 2nd quarter gave Hamilton a 3-0 halftime lead. Mr. Faloney threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Garney Henley and 23 yards to Ralph Goldston in the 3rd quarter. Mr. Sutherin converted both and kicked a 12-yard field goal in the 4th quarter to give the Tiger-Cats a 20-0 lead in the game and a 27-25 lead in the series. Toronto punter Dave Mann kicked singles of 48 and 54 yards to tie the series, and the Argonauts had another chance in the last minute when Stan Wallace intercepted a Faloney pass and returned it to the Hamilton 27. The Argonauts, instead of immediately kicking for a point, ran two plays that lost yards, and Mr. Mann failed to punt the ball through the end zone on the last play of regulation time. Mr. Faloney punted the ball back to Mr. Mann, who punted it back. Mr. Faloney fielded the ball at his goal line and returned it 110 yards for a touchdown, which was called back because of a number of illegal blocks. Toronto's Art Johnson fumbled the kickoff to start the 1st 10-minute overtime period, Hamilton's Carver Shannon recovered, and the Tiger-Cats scored 3 touchdowns in 7 minutes, as Mr. Faloney threw touchdown passes of 15 yards to Gerry McDougall, 11 yards to Mr. Henley, and 15 yards to Paul Dekker. In the 2nd overtime period, Mr. Shannon rushed 8 yards for a touchdown. All were converted by Mr. Sutherin. Mr. Faloney completed 20 of 36 passes for 328 yards, while Toronto's Tobin Rote, who was sacked 8 times by the Tiger-Cats, completed 22 of 45 for just 165 yards.

NFL
Baltimore (6-5) 27 @ Washington (0-10-1) 6
Dallas (4-6-1) 13 @ Philadelphia (8-3) 35
Los Angeles (3-8) 24 @ Chicago (6-5) 28
Philadelphia (7-3) 24 @ Cleveland (7-3) 45
Minnesota (2-9) 28 @ San Francisco (6-4-1) 38
New York (9-2) 37 @ Cleveland (7-4) 21
St. Louis (4-7) 27 @ Pittsburgh (5-6) 30

AFL
Oakland (2-9) 11 @ Dallas (4-7) 43
Denver (3-9) 14 @ Houston (7-3-1) 45

40 years ago
1971

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey--Paul & Linda McCartney (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Mamy Blue--Pop Tops (4th week at #1)

South Africa's Top 10 (Springbok Radio)
1 Mammy Blue--Charisma (6th week at #1)
2 Butterfly--Danyel Gerard
3 Get Me Some Help--Neville Whitmill
4 Amen--Peanutbutter Conspiracy
5 You--Peter Maffay
6 Never Ending Song of Love--The New Seekers
7 What are You Doing Sunday--Dawn
8 Papa's Gonna Kiss it Better--William E.
9 Did You Ever--Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood
10 Stagger Lee--Tommy Roe

Singles entering the chart were The Desiderata by Les Crane (#19); and Mexico by Dave Mills (#20).

Vancouver's Top 10 (CKLG)
1 The Desiderata--Les Crane
2 Mammy Blue--Pop-Tops
3 Theme from Shaft--Isaac Hayes
4 Baby I'm-A Want You--Bread
5 It's a Cryin' Shame--Gayle McCormick
6 Hey Girl--Donny Osmond
7 Everybody's Everything--Santana
8 An Old Fashioned Love Song--Three Dog Night
9 Two Divided by Love--The Grass Roots
10 Stones--Neil Diamond

Singles entering the chart were Take it Slow (Out in the Country) by Lighthouse (#25); Have You Seen Her by the Chi-Lites (#27); Respect Yourself by the Staple Singers (#28); Tightrope Ride by the Doors (#29); and Sunshine by Jonathan Edwards (#30).

Vancouver's Top 10 (CKVN)
1 Hey Girl--Donny Osmond (2nd week at #1)
2 Baby I'm-A Want You--Bread
3 The Desiderata--Les Crane
4 An Old Fashioned Love Song--Three Dog Night
5 Lovin' You Ain't Easy--Pagliaro
6 It's a Cryin' Shame--Gayle McCormick
7 Theme from Shaft--Isaac Hayes
8 Absolutely Right--Five Man Electrical Band
9 Wild Night--Van Morrison
10 Everybody's Everything--Santana

Singles entering the chart were Have You Seen Her by the Chi-Lites (#14); Brand New Key by Melanie (#20); White Lies, Blue Eyes by Bullet (#36); Cherish by David Cassidy (#37); Family Affair by Sly & the Family Stone (#38); and Theme from "Summer of '42" by Peter Nero (#39).

30 years ago
1981

Hit parade
Edmonton's Top 16 (CHED)
1 Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--The Police
2 My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)--Chilliwack
3 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
4 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
5 Working for the Weekend--Loverboy
6 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
7 All Touch--Rough Trade
8 Here I Am--Air Supply
9 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
10 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
11 No Reply at All--Genesis
12 I've Done Everything for You--Rick Springfield
13 Lunatic Fringe--Red Rider
14 Magic Power--Triumph
15 Start Me Up--Rolling Stones
16 Twilight--Electric Light Orchestra

Edmonton's Top 10 (CFRN)
1 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
2 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
3 Steal the Night--Stevie Woods
4 Wired for Sound--Cliff Richard
5 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
6 Here I Am--Air Supply
7 The Theme from Hill Street Blues--Mike Post
8 Yesterday's Songs--Neil Diamond
9 Oh No--Commodores
10 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash

Died on this date
Max Euwe, 80. Dutch chess player and executive. Mr. Euwe was a mathematician and computer science professor who won 12 Dutch championships from 1921-1955, and was world champion (1935-1937). He was granted the title of international grandmaster in 1950, and was President of Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation) (FIDE) (1970-1978). Mr. Euwe wrote more than 70 books on chess; he died of a heart attack.

25 years ago
1986

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): The Way You Are--Agnetha Fältskog and Ola Håkansson (2nd week at #1)

At the movies
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, generally regarded as the best of the Star Trek movies (and the only one this blogger has seen), opened in theatres.



Scandal
U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced the members of what would become known as the Tower Commission to investigate the Iran–Contra affair.

20 years ago
1991

Died on this date
Bob Johnson, 60. U.S. hockey coach. "Badger Bob" coached the University of Wisconsin Badgers from 1966-1975 and 1976-1982, winning national championships in 1973, 1977, and 1981. He coached the United States Olympic team in 1975-1976, and U.S. national teams in various tournaments from 1973-1991. Mr. Johnson was head coach of the Calgary Flames from 1982-1987, leading them to the Stanley Cup finals in 1986. After three years as president of USA Hockey, Mr. Johnson returned to coaching with the Pittsburgh Penguins, leading them to his--and their--first Stanley Cup championship in 1991. He died of brain cancer, which was diagnosed while he was preparing Team USA for the Canada Cup tournament. Mr. Johnson was replaced as head coach of the Penguins by Scotty Bowman, who led them to another Stanley Cup victory in 1992. Mr. Johnson was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.

Movies
The Genie Awards, recognizing the best in Canadian cinema for 1990 and 1991, were handed out at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto. Black Robe won six awards, including Best Picture and Direction (Bruce Beresford).

Asiatica
The National Assembly of Azerbaijan abolished the autonomous status of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of Azerbaijan and renamed several cities back to their original names.

Baseball
Major league owners ratified the collective bargaining agreement in a five-year contract retroactive to 1996, to run through the year 2000. They also voted to adopt interleague play and revenue sharing for small-market teams such as the Montréal Expos.