Instead of Moving Mountains, They Moved a Building
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Did you know that between October and November 1930, architects and
engineers rotated a building in downtown Indianapolis without disrupting
business ins...
Steve Cichon’s Professional Highlights
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An educator and author with experience in communications, broadcasting,
journalism, Franciscan theology, non-profit management and mental health.
Educatio...
The Short Creative Life of Archibald Lampman
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10 February 1899 Even the most ardent lover of verse would admit that as a
literary form poetry does not attract a wide audience. To make an analogy,
poetr...
Record Labels
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The top 10 most successful record labels in terms of hit count were: Pos
Label No Of Hits 1 RCA Victor 223 2 CBS 217 3 EMI 104 4 Pye 71 5 Warner
Bros. 70 6...
Windsor House
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Windsor House, located on Water Street in St. Andrews, was constructed in
1797 for United Empire Loyalist Captain David Mowat. Captain Mowat, a
celebrate...
The History Guy In Person Event
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If you are near the Williamsburg, Virginia area – this is your chance to
meet The History Guy! When: Thursday, August 26thTime: 5:00 pm to
6:30pmLocation...
Chet’s Summer Road Trip, 1857
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In the summer of 1857, Chet Arthur and his pal and putative law partner,
Henry Gardiner, set their sights on making their fortune out west and made
an impr...
Connie Mack and the Early Days of Baseball
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Stumbled across this old article from Connie Mack and thought it was kind
of cool. When I first began to play for the Washington club, a batter was
allowed...
Boston's (Original) South End
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On the 28th of July, 1888, the Boston Globe ran an article titled South
End, 60 Years Ago, with the typical subtitles: *Time and People Erase Its
Former Be...
September 22, 1911: 511 Wins For Cy Young
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On September 22, 1911, the fans cheered "Old" Cy Young in Pittsburgh
as they watched him lead his Boston Rustlers to a 1-0 victory over their
hometown...
Favourite Foote Photos: David Larsen
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As an avid cyclist I am drawn to “bicycle race c. 1912” [page 42]. I cannot
help but notice, as well, other bikes in other Foote photos…
The bicycle has b...
General
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--The cost of mailing a letter in Canada was 6c.
--A chocolate bar, a bag of potato chips, a phone call, and a newspaper
each cost a dime.
--Comic books c...
Crime
A Chilean court indicted three Chileans and one American for their roles in the October 16, 1891 brawl between U.S. sailors and Chilean nationals outside the True Blue Saloon in Valparaiso.
100 years ago
1912
Born on this date
Jose Ferrer. U.S. actor and director. Born José Vicente Ferrer de Otero y Cintrón in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Mr. Ferrer was best known for playing Cyrano de Bergerac, for which he won a Tony Award (1947), Academy Award (1950), and Emmy Award (1955). He died 18 days after his 80th birthday.
70 years ago
1942
Born on this date
Stephen Hawking. U.K. physicist. The world's most famous theoretical physicist is best known for his book A Brief History of Time (1988), about which movie critic Roger Ebert said, "Millions bought the book--and thousands finished it." Dr. Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the age of 21, and doctors gave him two years to live; as Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by that much!"
60 years ago
1952
On television tonight Suspense, on CBS
Tonight's episode: Flare Week, starring Eileen Heckart, Conrad Janis, and Edmon Ryan
50 years ago
1962
On the radio Macabre, on USAFRS Far East Network
Tonight's episode: The Edge of Evil
This was the last episode of the series.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Carleton Hobbs and Norman Shelley, on BBC
Tonight's episode: The Priory School
On television tonight Thriller, hosted by Boris Karloff, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Waxworks, starring Oscar Homolka, Martin Kosleck, and Antoinette Bower
40 years ago
1972
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K.: I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)--New Seekers
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Brand New Key--Melanie (3rd week at #1)
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 American Pie, Parts I and II--Don McLean
2 Brand New Key-Melanie
3 Cherish--David Cassidy
4 Got to Be There--Michael Jackson
5 Family Affair--Sly and the Family Stone
6 Let's Stay Together--Al Green
7 Scorpio--Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band
8 Sunshine--Jonathan Edwards
9 Hey Girl--Donny Osmond
10 Sugar Daddy--The Jackson 5
Singles entering the chart were Floy Joy by the Supremes (#84); Oh Me Oh My (I'm a Fool for You Baby) by Aretha Franklin (#92); and Another Puff by Jerry Reed (#96).
Canada’s Top 10 (RPM)
1 Brand New Key--Melanie
2 An Old Fashioned Love Song--Three Dog Night
3 Got to Be There--Michael Jackson
4 Cherish--David Cassidy
5 All I Ever Need is You--Sonny and Cher
6 American Pie, Parts I and II--Don McLean
7 Hey Girl--Donny Osmond
8 Devil You--Stampeders
9 Lonesome Mary--Chilliwack
10 Family Affair--Sly and the Family Stone
Singles entering the chart were Stay with Me by the Faces (#77); Out of My Mind by Rain (#87); Cotton Jenny by Anne Murray (#88); Bang a Gong (Get it On) by T. Rex (#94); Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (#95); Without You by Nilsson (#96); To Claudia on Thursday by Doherty and Haskell (#97); Together Let's Find Lovee by the 5th Dimension (#98); Precious and Few by Climax (#99); and Clean Up Woman by Betty Wright (#100).
Calgary's Top 10 (Glenn's Music)
1 American Pie, Parts I and II--Don McLean
2 Baby I'm-A Want You--Bread
3 Day After Day--Badfinger
4 Brand New Key--Melanie
5 Do I Love You--Paul Anka
6 I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)--New Seekers
7 Sunshine--Jonathan Edwards
8 Lonesome Mary--Chilliwack
9 Sour Suite--The Guess Who
10 Nothing to Hide--Tommy James
Pick hit of the week: Friends with You--John Denver
Died on this date
Kenneth Patchen, 60. U.S. poet and artist. Mr. Patchen was a pacifist whose poetry often dwelt on the loss of innocence in society and the corrupted human spirit. Collections of his poems were accompanied by his paintings and drawings, and his public readings were acompanied by jazz music. Mr. Patchen attracted just a cult following in his lifetime, but he influenced the San Francisco Renaissance and the Beat Generation. He long suffered from health problems deriving from a back injury in 1937.
30 years ago
1982
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden: Ooa Hela Natten--Attack (8th week at #1)
Diplomacy
Spanish Prime Minister Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo announced that his country would reopen the border with Gibraltar on April 20. The border had been closed for 12 years and was to be opened on the day that Spain and the U.K. began discussions concerning Gibraltar's status. Spain claimed that Gibraltar was rightfully Spanish territory, while most of Gibraltar's 29,000 inhabitants were believed to be in favour of remaining a British territory. Britain had controlled the peninsula since 1704.
Business
The American Telephone & Telegraph Bell System telephone monopoly agreed to divest itself of 22 Bell System companies and split into seven "baby Bells."
Economics and finance
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the nation's unemployment rate had increased from 8.4% to 8.9% during December 1981. It was estimated that 9,462,000 people were out of work, including 460,000 who had been laid off in December. The unemployment rate for adult men stood at 8%, a post-World War II high. For Negroes the figure was 16.1%.
Economics and finance
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 2,002.25, its first finish above 2,000.
20 years ago
1992
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden: Black or White--Michael Jackson (8th week at #1)
On television tonight The Wonder Years, on ABC
Tonight's episode: Road Test
Diplomacy
U.S. President George Bush, in Tokyo for trade talks with Japanese government and business leaders, fell ill with intestinal flu during a state dinner at the residence of Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, vomited on the Prime Minister, and returned to his suite at the Akasaka Palace.
Politics and government
Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder, who had attracted little support, withdrew from the contest for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in order to concentrate on his duties as governor.
Health
Canadian Health Minister Benoit Bouchard announced a temporary ban on silicone breast implants, two days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had issued a ban on the implants in the United States.
10 years ago
2002
Space
Astrophysicist Kenneth Lanzetta presented evidence indicating that stars originally formed rapidly and profusely, challenging the general assumption that stars formed gradually.
Baseball
Ozzie Smith, who played shortstop with the San Diego Padres (1978-1981) and St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996), recording a .282 batting average in 2,573 games, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith, nicknamed the "Wizard of Oz," was known for his spectacular defensive ability.
Died on this date
Muhammed Tewfik Pasha, 39. Khedive of Egypt and Sudan, 1879-1892. Tewfik succeeded to the Khedivate upon the death of his father Ismail, and followed British recommendations to become a constitutional ruler. He died suddenly at the winter resort of Helwan, south of Cairo. The cause of death was stated as influenza, double pneumonia, and kidney inflammation, but a rumour spread rapidly that Khedive Tewfik had been poisoned by the Turks or even the British.
Terrorism
Long-fused time bombs were discovered in banks in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco after their locations had been disclosed in anonymous letters calling for the release of all "political prisoners."
CrimeU.S. gangster Mickey Cohen, 57, was released from prison in Atlanta after serving 10 years of a 15-year sentence for income tax evasion. The last five years of his sentence were dropped for good behaviour, and Mr. Cohen vowed he was "going straight."
Disasters
All 104 people aboard an Iberia jet were killed when it slammed into the highest mountain on Ibiza Island, Spain.
At least 43 people were killed when Typhoon Kit struck the central Philippines.
Basketball
NBA
Los Angeles 134 @ Atlanta 90
The Lakers' win was their 33rd straight. The winning streak, which ended with their next game, remains an NBA record.
30 years ago
1982
Hit parade
Edmonton's Top 10 (CFRN)
1 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
2 Comin' in and Out of Your Life--Barbra Streisand
3 Hooked on Classics--Royal Philharmonic
4 Come Go with Me--The Beach Boys
5 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
6 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham
7 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
8 I Wouldn't Have Missed it for the World
9 Physical--Olivia Newton-John
10 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
Disasters
27 people were killed in a mudslide in Bogota, Colombia.
25 years ago
1987
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden: The Way You Are--Agnetha Fältskog and Ola Håkansson (8th week at #1)
War
French fighter-bombers struck Libyan radar installations in northern Chad, while Libyan planes bombed a Chadian government post.
20 years ago
1992
World events
A Yugoslav air force jet shot down an unarmed helicopter carrying observers from the European Community, killing all 5 people aboard. The Yugoslav defense ministry accepted responsibility for the attack and expressed "deep regret."
Diplomacy
Canadian External Affairs Minister Barbara McDougall protested the expulsion of Canadian members of parliament Geoff Scott, Svend Robinson, and Beryl Gaffney from China. The MPs were in the midst of a fact-finding tour concerning China's human rights record.
U.S. President George Bush arrived in Tokyo to begin three days of trade talks with Japanese government leaders and business executives.
Baseball
Tom Seaver, who pitched for the New York Mets (1967-1977, 1983); Cincinnati Reds (1977-1982); Chicago White Sox (1984-1986); and Boston Red Sox (1986), compiling a record of 311-205, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving a record 98.8% of the vote.
10 years ago
2002
Space
Scientists presented findings that many gamma-ray bursts originated in nearby galaxy clusters and that such bursts may result from supernova explosions.
Technology
Apple Computer introduced its new iMac, featuring a flat-panel monitor on an adjustable "neck" attached to a hemispheric base.
Diplomacy
The foreign ministers of Myanmar and Thailand began talks in an attempt to reach an accord on the repatriation to Myanmar of 400,000 migrant workers registered in Thailand.
Weather
The worst storm in about three decades dropped a foot of snow on Jordan and Lebanon.
Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Sherlock Holmes, Sheila Hellevang, and Johanna Wegner!
130 years ago
1882
Born on this date
Sam Rayburn. U.S. politician. "Mr. Sam," a Democrat, represented the 34th District in the Texas House of Representatives (1907-1913), and Texas' 4th District in the United States House of Representatives from 1913 until his death from pancreatic cancer on November 16, 1961 at the age of 79. He served as Speaker of the House from 1940-1947, 1949-1953, and from 1955 until his death; his 17 yers as Speaker remains the record. Mr. Rayburn preferred to work in the background to get things done; he was known for integrity and fairness, and his ability to work with both Democrats and Repubicans. Mr. Rayburn was succeeded as Speaker of the House by John W. McCormack (Democrat--Massachusetts).
100 years ago
1912
Born on this date
Jacques Ellul. French sociologist, philosopher, and theologian. Professor Ellul was influenced by the teachings of Karl Marx in his early years, but had a religious experience in late adolescence that led him to profess himself a Christian. He claimed to be a Christian anarchist, criticizing the state as an expression of violence. Prof. Ellul's books included La technique ou l'enjeu du siècle (The Technological Society) (1954); Propagandes (Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes) (1962); and L'illusion politique (The Political Illusion) (1967). He died after a long illness on May 19, 1994 at the age of 82.
Americana
New Mexico entered the Union as the 47th state.
Science
German geophysicist Alfred Wegener first presented his theory of continental drift.
80 years ago
1932
On the radio The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Richard Gordon and Leigh Lovell, on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Yellow Face
60 years ago
1952
On television tonight Out There, on CBS
Tonight's episode: Guest in the House, starring Marc Cavell, Joy Hilton, Dan Morgan, and Robert Webber
50 years ago
1962
Hit parade
#1 single in Italy: Nata per me--Adriano Celentano (7th week at #1)
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Stranger on the Shore--Mr. Acker Bilk
#1 single in the U.K. (Record Mirror): Stranger on the Shore--Mr. Acker Bilk
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 The Twist--Chubby Checker (5th week at #1)
2 The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens
3 Walk on By--Leroy Van Dyke
4 Run to Him--Bobby Vee
5 Can't Help Falling in Love--Elvis Presley
6 Peppermint Twist - Part I--Joey Dee & the Starliters
7 Please Mr. Postman--The Marvelettes
8 When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart)--Connie Francis
9 Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen--Neil Sedaka
10 I Know (You Don't Love Me No More)--Barbara George
The Twist had originally been released in 1960, and had spent 4 weeks at #1 from September 10-October 1.
Singles entering the chart were Dear Ivan by Jimmy Dean (#72); Duke of Earl by Gene Chandler (#97); Smoky Places by the Corsairs (#98); Happy Jose (Ching-Ching), with versions by Jack Ross and Dave Appell and his Orchestra (#99); Free Me by Johnny Preston (#100); and Let Me In by the Sensations (also #100).
Died on this date
Samuel McLaughlin, 100. Canadian automobile executive. Mr. McLaughlin, a native of Enniskillen, Ontario, founded the McLaughlin Carriage Company in 1867, which became the largest carriage manufacturing company in the British Empire. The company made carriages until 1915, and was renamed the McLaughlin Motor Car Company Limited in 1907 after Mr. McLaughlin entered into a partnership with Billy Durant to manufacture Buicks. General Motors of Canada Limited was incorporated in 1918, and bought the McLaughlin Motor Car Company Limited. The name of the Canadian-made car was changed to McLaughlin-Buick in 1923, and cars under that name were manufactured until 1942. Mr. McLaughlin was a philanthropist and racehorse owner, and a longtime director of the Ontario Jockey Club. His horses won the King's Plate three times, and he sold his Parkwood Stable to E. P. Taylor, who eventually renamed it Windfields Farm. Mr. McLaughlin remained with General Motors Canada as chairman of the board, as well as vice-president and executive director of the parent company until his death in Oshawa, Ontario. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1963 and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1977.
Chen Yi, 70. Chinese military officer and politician. Marshal Chen commanded the Communist Party's New Fourth Army in the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) and commanded the Communist forces that defeated the Kuomintang forces toward the end of the Chinese Civil War (1948-1949). He was Mayor of Shanghai (1949-1958), serving as the People's Republic of China's Vice Premier from 1954 and Foreign Minister from 1958 until his death.
Garry Unger, Phil Roberto, and Gary Sabourin scored for the Blues as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Flyers at the Spectrum. Bob Kelly and Jim Johnson scored Philadelphia goals in the 2nd period, which ended with St. Louis coach Al Arbour following referee John Ashley off the ice to argue a call. The dispute escalated until several St. Louis players, led by defenceman Bob Plager, charged into the stands in an altercation with fans and then got into an altercation with police in the hall leading to the dressing room (see video). Criminal charges were laid against several members of the Blues; the charges were eventually dropped.
25 years ago
1987
Space
Astronomers at the University of California first witnessed the birth of a galaxy containing one billion stars.
Hit parade
#1 singles in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Cry--Johnnie Ray and the Four Lads (Best Seller--2nd week at #1, Disc Jockey--1st week at #1); Slow Poke--Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys (Jukebox--1st week at #1)
U.S. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 (It's No) Sin--The Four Aces (9th week at #1)
--Eddy Howard
2 Down Yonder--Del Wood
--Joe "Fingers" Carr
--Champ Butler
3 Slow Poke--Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys
--Arthur Godfey
--Helen O'Connell
4 Cold, Cold Heart--Tony Bennett
5 Shrimp Boats--Jo Stafford
6 Because of You--Tony Bennett
--Les Baxter and his Orchestra
7 Jealousy (Jalousie)--Frankie Laine
8 Cry--Johnnie Ray and the Four Lads
9 Charmaine--Mantovani and his Orchestra
10 Undecided--The Ames Brothers and Les Brown and his Band of Renown
Singles entering the chart were Snowflakes by Evelyn Knight and Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (#25); Manhattan by Tony Martin and Dinah Shore (#27); Walkin' by Nat "King" Cole (#30); and Dance Me Loose by Arthur Godfrey (#35).
Diplomacy
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in the United States for his first official visit since regaining power in the October 1951 general election.
50 years ago
1962
On television tonight The Twilight Zone, on CBS
Tonight's episode: Nothing in the Dark, starring Gladys Cooper and Robert Redford
Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Laura-Belle Robinson!
40 years ago
1972
On television tonight Rod Serling's Night Gallery, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Green Fingers, starring Cameron Mitchell, Elsa Lanchester, and Michael Bell; The Funeral, starring Joe Flynn, Werner Klemperer, and Jack Laird; The Tune in Dan's Cafe, starring Pernell Roberts and Susan Oliver
The title tune in The Tune in Dan's Cafe was If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry, performed by Jerry Wallace. It was released as a single later in 1972 and reached the top 40 on the pop charts in the United States and Canada.
Space
U.S. President Richard Nixon ordered development of the U.S. space shuttle.
25 years ago
1987
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): Funkytown--Pseudo Echo (3rd week at #1)
20 years ago
1992
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
Kansas City 14 @ Buffalo 37
NFC Divisional Playoff
Dallas 6 @ Detroit 38
10 years ago
2002
Movies
The U.S. National Society of Film Critics chose Mulholland Dr. as the best picture of 2001, while the American Film Institute, presenting its first annual award, chose The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring as the best picture of 2001.
Music
The January 4-18 issue of the English periodical Mersey Beat carried the front-page headline Beatles Top Poll above a photo of the group: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best.
30 years ago
1982
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Down Under--Men at Work (3rd week at #1)
25 years ago
1987
Hit parade
#1 single in France: T'en va pas--Elsa
Died on this date
Tony Rensa, 85. U.S. baseball player. Mr. Rensa was a catcher with the Detroit Tigers (1930); Philadelphia Athletics (1930-1931); New York Yankees (1933); and Chicago White Sox (1937-1939), batting .261 with 7 home runs and 65 runs batted in in 200 games. He played 1,706 games in 21 seasons in the minor leagues (1925-1949), hitting at least 51 homers.
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
New England 17 @ Denver 22
NFC Divisional Playoff
San Francisco 3 @ New York Giants 49
20 years ago
1992
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (ARIA): Black or White--Michael Jackson (6th week at #1)
#1 single in Italy: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me--George Michael/Elton John
#1 single in France: Qui a le droit...--Patrick Bruel (5th week at #1)
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Black or White--Michael Jackson (5th week at #1)
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Cash Box): Black or White--Michael Jackson (2nd week at #1)
Politics and government
Algerian President Chadli Benjedid dissolved the National Popular Assembly and turned power over to a Constitutional Council. That council and the Algerian Supreme Court appointed a five-member High Committee of State to assume responsibility for the state.
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
Houston 24 @ Denver 26
NFC Divisional Playoff
Atlanta 7 @ Washington 24
10 years ago
2002
Died on this date
Nathan Chapman, 31. U.S. soldier. A Sergeant First Class with the 1st Special Forces Group, Mr. Chapman was directing troop movements in Afghanistan from the back of a flatbed truck when he was fatally shot. Sgt. Chapman was the first U.S. soldier to be killed in the war in Afghanistan that followed the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
World events
Israel seized a ship loaded with munitions that was destined for the Palestinian National Authority.
Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Gulbahar!
80 years ago
1932World events
Martial law was declared in Honduras in order to stop a revolt by workers who had been fired by the United Fruit Company.
70 years ago
1942Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Chattanooga Choo Choo--Glenn Miller and his Orchestra (5th week at #1)
60 years ago
1952Died on this date
Harriette Moore, 49. U.S. civil rights leader. Mrs. Moore was the wife of Harry T. Moore, who founded, in 1934, the first branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Brevard County, Florida, and was president of the state chapter of the NAACP. Mrs. Moore and Harry, 46, were at their home in Mims, Florida on Christmas night, December 25, 1951, when a bomb planted under the bedroom floor exploded. The local hospital in Titusville refused to treat Negroes, and Mr. Moore died while being transported by ambulance to the closest one where he could receive treatment. Mrs. Moore was seriously injured, and died nine days later. The murders were investigated in 1951-1952, but no one was prosecuted then or in later decades when subsequent investigations took place. A state investigation in 2005-2006 named four Ku Klux Klan members, by then long dead, as the likely murderers.
50 years ago
1962Religion
Pope John XXIII excommunicated Cuban dictator Fidel Castro from the Roman Catholic Church.
30 years ago
1982Edmontonia
A "Gardens Goodbye" celebration was held to mark the closing of the Edmonton Gardens, which was known as the Edmonton Arena when it was built in 1913, and changed its name in 1950. Various activities were held to mark the building's closing, starting with a concert by Bobby Curtola, hosted by CFRN radio's Barry Boyd. The final event was an oldtimers' hockey game.
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
Buffalo 21 @ Cincinnati 28
NFC Divisional Playoff
New York Giants 24 @ San Francisco 38
25 years ago
1987Hit parade
#1 single in Italy: The Final Countdown--Europe (4th week at #1)
#1 single in the U.K.: Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl in Town)--Jackie Wilson (2nd week at #1)
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Walk Like an Egyptian--Bangles (3rd week at #1)
Music
Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
New York Jets 20 @ Cleveland 23 (2 OT)
NFC Divisional Playoff
Washington 27 @ Chicago 13
This was Doug Flutie's last game as quarterback for the Bears.
10 years ago
2002Transportation
The Netherlands renationalized its rail network after years of private ownership during which service had deteriorated.
Weather
The heaviest snowfall in many years covered a swath of the southern United States, causing hundreds of traffic accidents and leaving 70,000 people without electricity.
Football
U.S. university
Rose Bowl @ Pasadena
Miami (Florida) 37 Nebraska 14
The Hurricanes' win over the Cornhuskers gave them the national championship.
Football
NFL
AFC Championship
Baltimore 0 @ Miami 21
Bob Griese's 75-yard touchdown pass to Paul Warfield early in the 1st quarter was all the Dolphins needed as they defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Colts at the Orange Bowl to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in their 6-year history. Dick Anderson intercepted a Johnny Unitas pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, and Larry Csonka rushed 5 yards for the final touchdown in the 4th quarter. Garo Yepremian converted all 3 touchdowns.
NFC Championship
San Francisco 3 @ Dallas 14
Calvin Hill rushed 1 yard for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter an Duane Thomas rushed 2 yards for a touchdown in the 4th quarter as the Cowboys advanced to the Super Bowl for the second straight year. Mr. Hill's touchdown was set up when George Andrie intercepted a John Brodie pass and returned it to the San Francisco 1-yard line. The 49ers' only score came on a 28-yard field goal by Bruce Gossett in the 3rd quarter.
Hockey
NHL
Montreal 6 @ Detroit 4
This was the Sunday broadcast on CBC radio.
30 years ago
1982
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K.: Don't You Want Me--The Human League (4th week at #1)
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Physical--Olivia Newton-John (7th week at #1)
#1 single in Canada (RPM): Physical--Olivia Newton-John (3rd week at #1)
Politics and government
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dismissed his cabinet, named a new prime minister, and asked him to form a new government. Previously, Mr. Mubarak had held the posts of President and Prime Minister. Ahmed Fuad Mohieddin, previously the first deputy Prime Minister, now became the Prime Minister. A new cabinet was announced the following day.
Football
NFL
AFC Divisional Playoff
San Diego 41 @ Miami 38 (OT)
Rolf Benirschke's 29-yard field goal at 13:52 of overtime gave the Chargers the win over the Dolphins in the highest-scoring playoff game to date (see video).
Died on this date
Harekrushna Mahatab, 87. Indian politician. Mr. Mahatab began acting on behalf of Indian independence from British rule in the 1920s, and was a member of the Indian National Congress Party until 1966. He was Chief Minister of Odisha (1946-1950, 1956-1961) and Governor of Bombay (1955-1956), and represented the Odisha ridings of Cuttack (1952-1955) and Deogarth (1962-1967) in the Lok Sabha. Mr. Mahatab joined the Orissa Jane Congress in 1967, and served three terms in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
War
Forces of Chadian President Hissen Habre attacked and captured the oasis town of Fada, reportedly killing several hundred Libyan soldiers during the advance. The thrust carried the Chadians north of the 16th parallel, which had divided Chad into a northern sector controlled by Libya and a southern sector controlled by the government of Chad, which was supported by France.
Football
NCAA
Fiesta Bowl
Pennsylvania State 14 Miami (Florida) 10 @ Glendale, Arizona
The Nittany Lions intercepted Hurricanes' quarterback Vinny Testaverde 5 times as Penn State, under head coach Joe Paterno, won its second national championship in five years.
10 years ago
2002
Died on this date
Buddy, 4. U.S. dog. A Labrador retriever, Buddy was the pet of U.S. President Bill Clinton and his family, moving into the White House as a three-month-old puppy in December 1997. He was run over by a car and killed in Chappaqua, New York.
Politics and government
Eduardo Duhalde was sworn in as interim President of Argentina, to serve until elections in 2003. He was Argentina's fifth president in the previous two weeks.
Americana
Annie Moore, a 15-year-old Irish girl, became the first immigrant to enter the Ellis Island Immigration Station.
110 years ago
1902
Football
U.S. university
Tournament East-West Game (Rose Bowl) @ Pasadena
Michigan 49 Stanford 0
Neil Snow scored 5 touchdowns and Curtis Redden added 2 more as the Wolverines routed Stanford before a crowd estimated at 8,500 at Tournament Park. The game was so lopsided that the game now known as the Rose Bowl wasn't played again until 1916.
75 years ago
1937
Died on this date
J. Gresham Machen, 55. U.S. theologian. Dr. Machen, a native of Baltimore, was Professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary from 1914-1929. It was during this period that modernism--the basis of which is the idea that the Bible was mainly of human, rather than divine, origin--became increasingly influential. Dr. Machen was one of the great defenders of Biblical Christianity against modernism. In 1929, he finally left Princeton Seminary and founded Westminster Theological Seminary. As modernism increasingly influenced missionary activities of the Northern Presbyterian Church, Dr. Machen founded, in 1933, the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, which he and fellow Bible-believers had a right to do. The NPC leadership, now controlled by modernists, suspended Dr. Machen and seven colleagues--including Carl McIntire--and defrocked Dr. Machen. Francis Schaeffer, in his book The Great Evangelical Disaster (1984), argued that the defrocking of J. Gresham Machen was the most sociologically significant event in America in the first half of the 20th century, since it showed that the modernists had succeeded in taking over the churches. Dr. Machen became the principal figure in the founding of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in 1936. His trial and defrocking had taken a toll on his health, and Dr. Machen took ill and died while visiting Bismarck, North Dakota to fulfill speaking engagements. A number of Mr. Machen's books are still available, including The Origin of Paul's Religion (1921); Christianity and Liberalism (1923); What is Faith? (1925); and The Virgin Birth of Christ (1930).
70 years ago
1942
At the movies The Man Who Came to Dinner, starring Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, and Monty Woolley, received its premiere screening in New York City.
Football
NCAA
Rose Bowl @ Duke Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
Oregon State 20 @ Duke 16
Because of fears of a Japanese invasion of the west coast of the United States in the first few weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Rose Bowl was moved to Duke University. Oregon State quarterback Bob Dethman threw touchdown passes of 31 yards to George Zellick and 68 yards to Gene Gray in the 3rd quarter. Attendance was estimated at 56,000.
60 years ago
1952
On television tonight Suspense, on CBS
Tonight's episode: Routine Patrol
50 years ago
1962
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens (3rd week at #1)
On the radio Macabre, on USAFRS Far East Network
Tonight's episode: The Crystalline Man
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Carleton Hobbs and Norman Shelley, on BBC
Tonight's episode: The Problem of Thor Bridge
On television tonight Thriller, hosted by Boris Karloff, on NBC
Tonight's episode: An Attractive Family, starring Richard Long, Leo G. Carroll, and Joyce Bulifant
Music
Two groups auditioned at the London studios of Decca Records in attempts to obtain a recording contract. The Beatles--John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best--performed first, recording 15 songs, but were turned down. The second group, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, were signed to a contract.
World events
Western Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand, becoming the Independent State of Western Samoa.
Defense
The United States Navy SEALs were established.
40 years ago
1972
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K.: Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)--Benny Hill (4th week at #1)
Australia's Top 10 (Go-Set)
1 Imagine--John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
2 Maggie May/Reason to Believe--Rod Stewart
3 Peace Train--Cat Stevens
4 The Banks of the Ohio--Olivia Newton-John
5 Speak to the Sky--Rick Springfield
6 Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey--Paul and Linda McCartney
7 Mammy Blue--Joel Dayde
8 Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves--Cher
9 Love is a Beautiful Song--Dave Mills
10 Freedom Come, Freedom Go--The Fortunes
Singles entering the chart were Cherish by David Cassidy (#20); The Desiderata by Les Crane (#24); Ranger's Waltz by the Mom and Dads (#38); Easy Loving by Freddie hart (#39); and Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) by Benny Hill (#40).
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Brand New Key--Melanie (2nd week at #1)
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Got to Be There--Michael Jackson
2 American Pie, Parts I and II--Don McLean
3 Brand New Key-Melanie
4 Cherish--David Cassidy
5 Family Affair--Sly and the Family Stone
6 All I Ever Need is You--Sonny and Cher
7 Scorpio--Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band
8 Let's Stay Together--Al Green
9 Hey Girl--Donny Osmond
10 An Old Fashioned Love Song--Three Dog Night
Singles entering the chart were Stay with Me by the Faces (#70); Jingle Bells by the Singing Dogs (#72); Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison (#89); If I Could See the Light by 8th Day (#91); Under My Wheels by Alice Cooper (#93); Open the Door (Song for Judith) by Judy Collins (#94); Get Up and Get Down by the Dramatics (#99); and Joy by Apollo 100 (#100). Joy was an instrumental pop synthesizer version of J.S. Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.
Society
A law went into effect in India depriving the nation's maharajas of titles, privileges, and tax-free privy purses.
30 years ago
1982
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Ooa Hela Natten--Attack (7th week at #1)
Died on this date
Victor Buono, 43. U.S. actor. A beefy actor who looked much older than his years, Mr. Buono was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), and starred in The Strangler (1964). He made frequent appearances as King Tut in the television series Batman (1966-1968). In June 1979, Mr. Buono performed at the Stage West dinner theatre at the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton, Alberta, starring in Warren Graves' play Mors Draculae. He died of a heart attack at his ranch in Apple Valley, California.
Diplomacy
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru became the first Latin-American to hold the title of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Canadiana
Iqaluit changed its name from Frobisher Bay in keeping with the Northwest Territories government's decision to restore indigenous names; Iqaluit means the place where the fish are.
Law
The Law Society of Upper Canada allowed Ontario lawyers to advertise their services.
20 years ago
1992
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Black or White--Michael Jackson (7th week at #1)
Europeana
Russia officially became a nation, the day after the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
10 years ago
2002
Diplomacy
The Open Skies mutual surveillance treaty, initially signed in 1992, officially came into force.
World events
A law granting autonomy to the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya (West Papua) went into effect, and the province's name was officially changed to Papua.
Economics and finance
The euro became the currency for 12 of the European Union's 15 member states: Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Greece; Austria; Belgium; Finland; Ireland; Luxembourg; The Netherlands; and Portugal.
Taiwan officially joined the World Trade Organization as Chinese Taipei.
Defense
Military conscription in Spain officially ended.
Born on this date
Jacques Cartier. French explorer. Mr. Cartier, a native of Saint-Malo, Brittany, led expeditions for France in 1534, 1535-1536, and 1541-1542, becoming the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, which he named "The Country of Canadas" after the Iroquoian names for the two big settlements he saw at Stadacona (Quebec City) and at Hochelaga (Montreal Island). He entered and departed 50 undiscovered harbours without serious mishap or losing a ship, and was one of the first to formally acknowledge that the New World was a land mass separate from Europe/Asia. Mr. Cartier spent his later years in Saint-Malo and his nearby estate, and died during an epidemic, possibly typhus, on September 1, 1557 at the age of 65.
510 years ago
1501
War
The First Battle of Cannanore commenced at Cannanore, India between Portuguese Empire forces commmanded by João da Nova and the Zamorin people of Calicut. It marked one of the earliest recorded deliberate uses of a naval line of battle, and for resolving the battle by cannon alone. The battle ended in a Portuguese victory two days later.
320 years ago
1691
Died on this date
Robert Boyle, 64. Irish chemist and physicist. Mr. Boyle was one of the pioneers of the modern scientific method, and was best known for Boyle's law, which describes the inversely proportional relationship between the absolute pressure and volume of a gas, if the temperature is kept constant within a closed system. He's largely regarded today as the founder of modern chemistry; his book The Sceptical Chymist (1661) was a major text in the history of chemistry. Mr. Boyle was an alchemist, but his experiments were unsuccessful. He was a devout Anglican, and believed that evidence from nature could provide evidence for the existence of God. Mr. Boyle died from paralysis after more than 20 years of declining health.
130 years ago
1881
Crime
Charles Guiteau, recently convicted of the assassination of U.S. President James A. Garfield, wrote a New Year's greeting to his jailer.
100 years ago
1911
Born on this date
Dal Stivens. Australian writer. Mr. Stivens produced six novels and eight collections of short stories, often based on Australian folk tales, from 1936-1976, with his popularity peaking in the 1940s and '50s. He was also a naturalist and artist, and wrote non-fiction under several pseudonyms. Mr. Stivens died on June 15, 1997 at the age of 85.
90 years ago
1921
Died on this date
Boies Penrose, 61. U.S. politician. Mr. Penrose, a Republican, represented Philadelphia County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1885) and represented the 6th District in the Pennsylvania Senate (1887-1897). He represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1897 until his death from a pulmonary thrombosis in his Washington penthouse in the last hour of 1921.
80 years ago
1931
Weather
Henderson Lake, British Columbia ended the year with a record total of 319.78 inches of rain, making it the wettest place on record in Canadian history.
Economics and finance
The Canadian stock index plunged 37.2% and Gross National Product declined 12.7%, making it the worst business year on record in the country.
70 years ago
1941
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): It's a Great Day for the Irish--Judy Garland; The Jesters (1st month at #1)
On television tonight
The first televised New Year’s Eve special aired on WNBT in New York. It consisted of entertainment from the Rainbow Room, atop the RCA Building in Rockefeller Center.
Died on this date
Sol Hess, 69. U.S. writer. Mr. Hess and Wallace Carlson created the comic strip The Nebbs in 1923, with Mr. Hess providing the writing and Mr. Carlson doing the illustrating. Mr. Hess died of a heart attack at his apartment in the Shoreham Hotel in Chicago. His daughter Betsy and her husband Stanley Baer took over the writing for The Nebbs after Mr. Hess's death, and by 1947 had folded the strip into another strip of theirs, The Toodle Family.
War
Admiral Chester Nimitz assumed command of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet in a simple ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan demanded that U.S. forces in the Philippines surrender, and rejected the designation of Manila as an open city. U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur reported that his forces were consistently falling back in the face of heavy Japanese assaults.
Diplomacy
Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The German government announced that German Ambassador to Argentina Baron Edmund von Thermann had been recalled.
Politics and government
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Jesse Jones as a member of the Supply Priorities and Allocation Board.
Communications
The U.S. Justice Department extended its ban on the possession of shortwave wireless sets and hand cameras by enemy aliens to cover the entire country, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Business
The U.S. Justice Department filed civil suits in Chicago against the National Broadcasting Company and Columbia Broadcasting System, charging that through their ownership of key stations and the use of exclusive contracts the two chains almost completely dominated the country's broadcasting industry.
60 years ago
1951
On television tonight Lights Out, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Of Time and Third Avenue, starring Henry Daniell, Edward Gargan, and Bethel Leslie
Died on this date
Maxim Litvinov, 75. U.S.S.R. politician and diplomat. Mr. Litvinov, born Meir Henoch Wallach, joined the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (SDLP) in Kiev in 1898 when the party was an illegal organization, and adopted the name Maxim Litvinov. He was arrested in 1901 and spent 18 months in captivity, but escaped, and spent several years in exile in Geneva and London. Mr. Litvinov met V.I. Lenin in 1903, and joined the Bolsheviks, returning to Russia during the 1905 Revolution. He fled the country again in 1906, and lived in England from 1908-1918, returning to Moscow late in 1918. Mr. Litvinov served as a diplomat during the 1920s, advocating disarmament and favouring Soviet support of the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928, which outlawed war as an instrument of national policy. He proposed the Litvinov Protocol, in which signatories formally proclaimed themselves in mutual compliance with the goals of the Kellogg-Briand Pact. It was signed in Moscow in February 1929 by the Soviet Union, Poland, Romania, Latvia, and Estonia, and later by several other countries. Mr. Litvinov was People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union (1930-1939), and was successful in obtaining American recognition of the Soviet Union. He was dismissed for holding anti-German views, while dictator Josef Stalin was negotiating a non-aggression pact with Germany. Mr. Litvinov served as Soviet Ambassador to the United States (1941-1943), and was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (1943-1946), but was dismissed after giving an interview to an American journalist in which he stated his belief that war between the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. was inevitable. Mr. Litvinov reportedly died of a heart attack in Moscow after suffering serious heart problems, but there were rumours that he was assassinated on Mr. Stalin's instructions to the MVD (Interior Ministry), dying from injuries received after a truck deliberately collided with his car as he rounded a bend on the way to his dacha.
War
Communist negotiators at Panmunjom agreed to furnish information on 50,000 United Nations soldiers--mostly South Koreans--believed to have been taken prisoner but not accounted for on lists submitted by the Communist truce team.
Diplomacy
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden departed aboard the Queen Mary for New York. The purpose of the trip was to have talks with U.S. President Harry Truman in Washington, followed by a visit to Canada for talks with Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent.
Terrorism
Egyptian extremists announced that they would pay any "partisan patriot" $2,800 for killing British Suez Zone commander General George Erskine, and $280 for killing any other British officer.
World events
The Bolivian government ordered a New Year's Day amnesty for 35 members of the rightist National Revolutionary Movement exiled or jailed for participating in a revolutionary plot.
Energy
Inventor Philip Ohmart announded the development of a radioelectric cell capable of converting radioactive energy into electric energy.
Economics and finance
After distributing more than $13.3 billion in U.S. aid to European countries since 1948, the Marshall Plan expired; its functions would be taken over by the new U.S. Mutual Security Agency.
U.S. Mutual Security Administrator Paul Porter announced in Madrid that the United States would give Spain financial aid under a bilateral arrangement similar to Yugoslavia's.
Labour
United Steelworkers of America President Philip Murray ordered 30,000 Kaiser Aluminum and Aluminum Company of America workers to continue working under their old contracts through January 1947, ending the threat of a strike in the aluminum industry.
50 years ago
1961
Television
Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), Ireland's state broadcaster, launched its first national television service at 7 P.M., with an address by Irish President Eamon De Valera. Messages from John Cardinal d'Alton and Taoiseach Seán Lemass followed, and then a live concert, hosted by Radio Éireann chairman Eamonn Andrews, was broadcast from the Gresham Hotel in Dublin. The show, which was a countdown to the New Year, included appearances by tenor Patrick O'Hagan, the Artane Boys' Band, and Michael O'Hehir.
Music
The Beach Boys made their first live appearance, playing three songs--including their debut single, Surfin'-- as part of a Ritchie Valens memorial concert at Long Beach Civic Auditorium in Long Beach, California. Ike and Tina Turner were the headline act.
Football
NFL Championship @ City Stadium, Green Bay
New York 0 @ Green Bay 37
Green Bay quarterback Bart Starr threw 2 touchdown passes to Ron Kramer and another to Boyd Dowler, and Paul Hornung rushed for a touchdown and kicked 4 converts and 3 field goals as the Packers routed the Giants before 39,029 fans in the first NFL championship game ever played in Green Bay. The score was 0-0 after the 1st quarter, but the Packers scored 24 points in the 2nd quarter and 10 more in the 3rd. It was Green Bay's first NFL championship since 1944, and their first under head coach Vince Lombardi. Hear the radio broadcast here, here, here, here, here, and here.
40 years ago
1971
Hit parade
South Africa's Top 10 (Springbok Radio)
1 Mammy Blue--Charisma (10th week at #1)
2 Get Me Some Help--Neville Whitmill
3 Amen--Peanutbutter Conspiracy
4 Butterfly--Danyel Gerard
5 Cousin Norman--Marmalade
6 You--Peter Maffay
7 The Desiderata--Les Crane
8 Never Ending Song of Love--The New Seekers
9 Soley Soley--Middle of the Road
10 Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast--Daniel Boone
The only single entering the chart was Tokoloshe Man by John Kongos (#17).
Vancouver's Top 10 (CKLG)
1 I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)--The New Seekers
2 American Pie--Don McLean
3 Brand New Key--Melanie
4 Sunshine--Jonathan Edwards
5 Day After Day--Badfinger
6 Devil You--Stampeders
7 Have You Seen Her--Chi-Lites
8 All I Really Need is You--Sonny & Cher
9 Can I Get a Witness--Lee Michaels
10 Stay with Me--Faces
Singles entering the chart were Never Been to Spain by Three Dog Night (#26); Black Dog by Led Zeppelin (#27); White Lies, Blue Eyes by Bullet (#28); Mexican Lady by Steel River (#29); and Levon by Elton John (#30).
Vancouver's Top 10 (CKVN)
1 American Pie--Don McLean
2 Day After Day--Badfinger
3 Sunshine--Jonathan Edwards
4 Life in the Bloodstream--The Guess Who
5 One Monkey Don't Stop No Show--The Honey Cone
6 Brand New Key--Melanie
7 I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)--The New Seekers
8 Respect Yourself--The Staple Singers
9 Love Me, Love Me, Love--Frank Mills
10 Hey Big Brother--Rare Earth
Singles entering the chart were Hallelujah by Sweathog (#27); I Turn to You by Spring (#33); Where Did Our Love Go by Donnie Elbert (#34); Anticipation by Carly Simon (#38); Mexican Lady by Steel River (#39); and Too True Mama by Crowfoot (#40).
Calgary's Top 10 (Glenn's Music)
1 Baby I'm-A Want You--Bread
2 Do I Love You--Paul Anka
3 Day After Day--Badfinger
4 I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)--New Seekers
5 Lonesome Mary--Chilliwack
6 Got to Be There--Michael Jackson
7 Take it Slow--Lighthouse
8 American Pie, Parts I and II--Don McLean
9 The Desiderata--Les Crane
10 I Don't Need No Doctor--Humble Pie
Pick hit of the week: Brand New Key--Melanie
Died on this date
Pete Duel, 31. U.S. actor. Mr. Duel, born Peter Deuel, appeared in several television programs and movies. He co-starred in the television comedy series Love on a Rooftop (1966-1967), but was best known for playing Hannibal Heyes (alias Joshua Smith) in the Western series Alias Smith and Jones (1971), which was in its second season when Mr. Duel, who was suffering from depression and drinking heavily, committed suicide by shooting himself.
Hal Weaver, 28. Canadian disc jockey. Mr. Weaver began his career at CKRD in Red Deer; he worked in Edmonton (CJCA), Hamilton (CKOC), Toronto (CHUM), and Vancouver (CJOR, CKVN) before dying of cancer.
30 years ago
1981
Hit parade
Vancouver's Top 10 (CKLG)
1 Physical--Olivia Newton-John (2nd week at #1)
2 Young Turks--Rod Stewart
3 Don't Stop Believin'--Journey
4 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks with Don Henley
5 Trouble--Lindsey Buckingham
6 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
7 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
8 Private Eyes--Daryl Hall & John Oates
9 Waiting for a Girl Like You--Foreigner
10 Why Do Fools Fall in Love--Diana Ross
Singles entering the chart were Tainted Love by Soft Cell (#18); and Hooked on Classics by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (#20).
Edmonton's Top 10 (CFRN)
1 Hooked on Classics--The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (3rd week at #1)
2 Leather and Lace--Stevie Nicks with Don Henley
3 Comin' In and Out of Your Life--Barbra Streisand
4 Yesterday's Songs--Neil Diamond
5 Harden My Heart--Quarterflash
6 Come Go with Me--The Beach Boys
7 I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)--Daryl Hall & John Oates
8 I Wouldn't Have Missed it for the World--Ronnie Milsap
9 Cool Night--Paul Davis
10 She's Got a Way--Billy Joel
World events
A coup d'état in Ghana removed President Hilla Limann's People's National Party (PNP) government and replaced it with the Provisional National Defence Council, led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings. Fl. Lt. Rawlings had previously seized power in June 1979, and handed it over to Mr. Limann and the PNP three months later.
25 years ago
1986
Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): The Way You Are--Agnetha Fältskog and Ola Håkansson (7th week at #1)
Died on this date
Dwight Taylor, 83. U.S. screenwriter and playwright. Mr. Taylor, the son of actress Laurette Taylor, wrote several plays, but was better known for his screenplays, which included The Gay Divorcee (1934); Top Hat (1935); I Wake Up Screaming (1941); Conflict (1945); The Thin Man Goes Home (1947); and Pickup on South Street (1953). He died the day before his 84th birthday, being born on New Year's Day and dying on New Year's Eve.
Disasters
96 people were killed in a fire that swept through the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Investigators focused on apossible link between the fire and negotiations between the hotel's management and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represented more than half the employees. The talks had been acromonious, and three small fires had occurred in the two weeks before the fatal fire. The main issue in dispute was management's desire to replace 60 union workers with non-union workers.
20 years ago
1991
World events
As of this date, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ceased to exist, as all official Soviet Union institutions ceased operations.
Terrorism
17 Haitian Liberation Organization activists surrendered to police after occupying the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince for six weeks.
10 years ago
2001
Died on this date
Eileen Heckart, 82. U.S. actress. Miss Heckart, born Anna Eileen Herbert, had a career spanning nearly 60 years, usually playing supporting roles in plays, movies, and television programs. She won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for her supporting performance in Butterflies are Free (1972); two Emmy Awards; and a Tony Award in 2000 for lifetime achievement. Miss Heckart died of lung cancer.
Politics and government
Eduardo Camano assumed the position of acting President of Argentina, the day after the resignation of interim President Adolfo Rodriguez Saa.
Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Gladys Lucy Pomazongo Levano!
420 years ago
1591
Died on this date
Innocent IX. Roman Catholic Pope, 1591. Innocent IX, born Giovanni Antonio Facchinetti, became a priest in 1544 and was made a cardinal in 1583. He succeeded Gregory XIV on thee papal throne, and was crowned on November 3, 1591. He died after less than two months in office, and was succeeded by Clement VIII.
170 years ago
1841
Died on this date
Vitus Bering, 60. Danish explorer. Commander Bering was a cartographer served in the Russian Navy and led the First Kamchatka Expedition (1725-1731), which explored the Asian Pacific Coast, and the Great Northern Expedition (1733-1743), which explored the Arctic coast of Siberia and parts of the North American coastline. He died of scurvy on an uninhabited island, later named in his honour, near the Kamchatka Peninsula. The Bering Strait and Bering Sea are among the things named in Commander Bering's honour.
160 years ago
1851
Born on this date
Asa Candler. U.S. businessman and politician. Mr. Candler founded the Coca-Cola Company in 1892, and managed the company until 1917, when he took office as Mayor of Atlanta, serving until 1919. He died on March 12, 1929 at the age of 77, three years after suffering a stroke.
150 years ago
1861
Defense
As a result of the "Trent Affair" (the seizure of two Confederate diplomats from a British vessel on the high seas), 6,000 British troops from the 62nd Wiltshire Regiment landed at St. Andrews, New Brunswick with orders to march overland to Canada to defend against a possible American invasion.
100 years ago
1911
Born on this date
Jeanette Nolan. U.S. actress. Miss Nolan appeared in numerous radio and television programs and in movies such as Macbeth (1948) and The Big Heat (1953). She was nominated for four Emmy Awards, and died on June 5, 1998 at the age of 86.
Politics and government
Sun Yat-sen was elected the first President of the Republic of China.
80 years ago
1931
On the radio The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Richard Gordon and Leigh Lovell, on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Hindoo in the Wicker Basket
Diplomacy
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the Canadian parliament in Ottawa, where he delivered his "Some chicken...some neck" speech, and then posed for a famous photograph by Yousuf Karsh. Go here to see the full text of the speech.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden returned to London from his conference in Moscow with U.S.S.R. dictator Josef Stalin.
War
The U.S.S.R. announced that Soviet troops on the Caucasian front had landed on the Crimean peninsula, occupying the town and fortress of Kerch. Dispatches from Manila reported that Japanese troops were within 100 miles of the city. U.S. aviator Charles Lindbergh was revealed to have volunteered for active serice in the U.S. Army Air Forces. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were 25,829,788 men in the continental United States aged 20-44 who could be drafted for military service.
Space
Dr. Edwin Hubble of the Mount Wilson Observatory in California said that as a result of six years of observation through the observatory's 100-inch telescope, he doubted the theory that the universe was expanding.
Politics and government
Philippine President Manuel Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmena were inaugurated into their second terms in a wartime ceremony near U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters.
Lieutenant General A.E. Percival declared martial law in Singapore, following four Japanese air raids the previous night.
Crime
Seven people were indicted in New York on charges of sending vital information to Germany.
Economics and finance
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that plans were underway to boost U.S. war production to 50% of the national income, or about $50 billion in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1942.
U.S. federal Price Administrator Leon Henderson froze wholesale cigarette prices at the levels prevailing on December 26, and fixed maximum retail prices for automobile tires and tubes at the level in effect on November 25.
Labour
Greyhound companies agreed to arbitrate the strike of 1,800 bus drivers.
60 years ago
1951
On television tonight Out There, on CBS
Tonight's episode: The Bus to Nowhere, starring Leonard Barry, Arthur Batanides, and Whit Bissell
War
Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command General Matthew Ridgway announced that the Japanese government would be given custody of 1,300 Japanese war criminals still serving sentences by March 21, 1952.
Diplomacy
Foreign ministers of six Western European countries agrred in Paris on most details of the European Army plan and recommended creating a supranational Parliament of Europe by 1955.
In a year-end speech, U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson admitted that "we have lost some ground" in the Middle East because of the Iranian and Suez disputes, but viewed Greece and Turkey as "bright spots."
Science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science awarded the $1,000 Newcomb Cleveland Prize to Columbia University oceanographer J. Laurence Kulp for developing a technique to measure the age of water through the radioactive carbon content of suspended organic matter.
Economics and finance
Iran banned foreign travel by its citizens, due to lack of foreign exchange.
Baseball The Sporting News named Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals as major league player of the year for 1951 and Leo Durocher of the New York Giants as major league manager of the year. "Stan the Man" batted .355 with 32 home runs and 108 runs batted in, leading the National League in batting average, runs (124); triples (12); and total bases (355). "Leo the Lip" led the Giants to the National League pennant as they came back from a 14½-game deficit in August to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 3-game playoff.
50 years ago
1961
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): My Boomerang Won't Come Back--Charlie Drake (4th week at #1)
#1 single in Italy: Nata per me--Adriano Celentano (6th week at #1)
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Tanze mit mir in den Morgen--Gerhard Wendland
#1 single in the Netherlands (Dutch Top 40): I'm Gonna Knock on Your Door--Eddie Hodges (3rd week at #1)
#1 single in the U.K. (Record Mirror): Tower of Strength--Frankie Vaughan (4th week at #1)
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens (4th week at #1)
2 The Twist--Chubby Checker
3 Walk on By--Leroy Van Dyke
4 Run to Him--Bobby Vee
5 Please Mr. Postman--The Marvelettes
6 Can't Help Falling in Love--Elvis Presley
7 Peppermint Twist - Part I--Joey Dee & the Starliters
8 Moon River--Jerry Butler
--Henry Mancini, His Orchestra and Chorus
9 Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen--Neil Sedaka
10 When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart)--Connie Francis
Singles entering the chart were Lost Someone by James Brown and the Famous Flames (#90); That's My Pa by Sheb Wooley (#95); I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) by the Ikettes (#96); Fever by Pete Bennett and the Embers (#98); and I Told the Brook by Marty Robbins (#100).
Vancouver's Top 10 (CFUN)
1 Norman--Sue Thompson (2nd week at #1)
2 The Wanderer--Dion
3 Run to Him--Bobby Vee
4 Hey! Little Girl--Del Shannon
5 Walkin' with My Angel--Bobby Vee
6 The Twist--Chubby Checker
7 Multiplication--Bobby Darin
8 Walkin' Back to Happiness--Helen Shapiro
9 The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens
10 Please Mr. Postman--The Marvelettes
Singles entering the chart were Bonnie B by Jerry Lee Lewis (#24); Bandit of My Dreams by Eddie Hodges (#28); My Boomerang Won't Come Back by Charlie Drake (#31); Patti Ann by Johnny Crawford (#36); I Know (You Don't Love Me No More) by Barbara George (#39); Baby it's You by the Shirelles (#45); and Lonely Sixteen by Janie Black (#50).
Vancouver's Top 10 (CKWX)
1 Norman--Sue Thompson
2 Dear Ivan--Jimmy Dean
3 The Twist--Chubby Checker
4 The Wanderer/The Majestic--Dion
5 Peppermint Twist--Joey Dee & the Starliters
6 A Little Bitty Tear--Burl Ives
7 Multiplication--Bobby Darin
8 Walkin' with My Angel/Run to Him--Bobby Vee
9 When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart)--Connie Francis
10 The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens
Singles entering the chart were Dear Lady Twist by Gary (U.S.) Bonds (#26); The Ballad of Thunder Road by Robert Mitchum (#30); Young Love by Sonny James (#34); I Could Have Loved You by Ray Peterson (#36); Mugmates/Bandit of My Dreams by Eddie Hodges (#39); and Little Altar Boy by Vic Dana (#40).
Football
NCAA
Blue-Gray Game @ Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
Gray 9 Blue 7
40 years ago
1971
Hit parade
#1 single in France (IFOP): Pop Concerto--Pop Concerto Orchestra
#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): O Holy Night--Tommy Drennan (2nd week at #1)
Died on this date
Jo Cals, 57. Prime Minister of the Netherlands, 1965-1966. Mr. Cals, a member of the Roman Catholic State Party until 1945 and the Catholic People's Party thereafter, was a member of the House of Representatives (1948-1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1963-1965), and was State Secretary/Minister for Education, Arts and Sciences (1950-1961) before serving as Prime Minister from April 1965-November 1966. He left politics after his government fell after losing a vote involving the budget. Mr. Cals died of a brain tumour.
World events
Iraq announced that it had expelled 60,000 Iranian men, women, and children over the past few days; Iraq had severed diplomatic relations with Iran earlier inthe month.
Wayne Gretzky scored 5 goals--his 46th through 50th of the season--to lead the Oilers past the Flyers at Northlands Coliseum. Mr. Gretzky's last goal, into an empty net, gave him the distinction of reaching the 50-goal mark in one season in the fewest games; it was just the Oilers' 39th game of the season.
20 years ago
1991
Hit parade
#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Sore ga Daiji (それが大事)--Daiji-man Brothers Band
#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Live and Let Die--Guns N' Roses (2nd week at #1)
#1 single in Germany (Media Control): Let's Talk About Sex--Salt-N-Pepa (7th week at #1)
10 years ago
2001
Terrorism
Pakistani authorities arrested Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, founder of one of the Muslim groups believed to be behind the December 13, 2001 attack on India's Parliament House in New Delhi. 12 people had been killed in the five-man attack.
Politics and government
Adolfo Rodriguez Saa resigned as interim President of Argentina, just a week after taking office.
Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Christine Gotaas!
1,290 years ago
721
Died on this date
Genmei, 61. Empress of Japan, 707-715. Genmei, born Abe-hime, acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne upon the death of her son Monmu. She moved the seat of government to Nara, and abdicated in favour of her daughter Genshō.
160 years ago
1851
Americana
The first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) opened in Boston.
130 years ago
1881
Born on this date
Jess Willard. U.S. boxer. Mr. Willard, nicknamed the Pottawatomie Giant, stood 6' 6 1⁄2" and didn't start boxing professionally until he was 29. He knocked out Jack Johnson in the 26th round in Havana on April 5, 1915 to win the world heavyweight title, thereby accomplishing what a host of "White Hopes" had failed to achieve since Mr. Johnson had won the title more than six years earlier. Mr. Willard fought just one title bout after that (a 10-round newspaper decision over Frank Moran in 1916) before being knocked out in 3 rounds by Jack Dempsey in Toledo, Ohio on July 4, 1919. Mr. Willard came out of retirement for two fights in 1923, and then retired permanently after compiling a professional record of 25-7-2. He died on December 15, 1968, two weeks before his 87th birthday.
110 years ago
1901
Politics and government
Arthur Peters was sworn in as Premier of Prince Edward Island, succeeding Donald Farquharson as head of the province's Liberal government. Lieutenant Governor Peter McIntyre had asked Mr. Peters to take office as Premier after Mr. Farquharson resigned to enter federal politics.
100 years ago
1911
Born on this date
Klaus Fuchs. German physicist. Dr. Fuchs was a socialist who became a Communist while still a student in Germany. He fled to the United Kingdom shortly after the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933, and went to the United States during World War II, where he worked on the Manhattan Project, which produced the first atomic bombs. Dr. Fuchs worked as a spy with the U.S.S.R., and illegally transferred nuclear information to the Soviets. In January 1950 he confessed to being a spy, and was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for espionage. Dr. Fuchs was released in 1959 after serving 9 1/3 years, and emigrated to East Germany, where he spent the rest of his life. He died on January 28, 1988, 30 days after his 76th birthday.
Asiatica
Mongolia gained its independence from China's Qing dynasty, enthroning the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu as Khagan of Mongolia.
Politics and government
In Nanking, Sun Yat-sen was elected provisional President of the Republic of China.
Canadiana
A proclamation restored the words Dei Gratia to Canada's coins; the Latins phrase means King (or Queen) by the grace of God.
90 years ago
1921
Politics and government
Canada's new Liberal government, under Prime Minister Mackenzie King, took office, 23 days after winning a plurality in the federal election. For Mr. King, it was the beginning of more than two decades as Canada's Prime Minister, and he eventually became the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the British Commonwealth.
80 years ago
1931
Transportation
The new Jubilee Dock was moored in Wellington Harbour in Wellington, New Zealand.
70 years ago
1941
War
A London communique reported a successful six-hour raid on December 27 on the German-occupied islands of Vaagsoe and Maaloy off the Norwegaian coast. Tokyo reports claimed that Japanese troops the previous day had captured Ipoh, the tin mining centre 290 miles north of Singapore. Japanese planes bombed the island fortress of Corregidor, about 30 miles south of Manila guarding the entrance to Manila Bay.
Diplomacy
Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King returned to Ottawa from Washington with U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who was beginning a visit to the Canadian capital.
The Argentine Foreign Ministry announced that it was recalling the country's Ambassador to Germany.
Politics and government
Mohandas Gandhi resigned as leader of the All-India Congress Party because, he said, the party's working committee had abandoned his principles of civil disobedience and non-violence.
Business
The U.S. Army formally returned the Bendix, New Jersey plant of Air Associates, Inc. to private management after operating it since October 31.
Labour
American Federation of Labor boilermakers routed picketing welders at the California Ship Building Corporation in Los Angeles.
Disasters
Portland, Oregon was shaken by a short, sharp earthquake at 10:30 A.M.
Sport
New York University miler Leslie MacMitchell was named the 1941 winner of the Amateur Athletic Union's James E. Sullivan Memorial Trophy as the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States.
Auto racing
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Eddie Rickenbacker announced the cancellation of the Indianapolis 500 for 1942 because of American involvement in World War II. The speedway wasn't reopened, and the Indianapolis 500 wasn't held again, until 1946, the year after the war ended.
60 years ago
1951
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Sweet Violets--Dinah Shore; Jane Turzy (2nd week at #1)
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Cry--Johnnie Ray and the Four Lads (Best Seller--1st week at #1); It's No Sin--Eddy Howard and his Orchestra (Disc Jockey--7th week at #1; Jukebox--1st week at #1)
U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 (It's No) Sin--The Four Aces (8th week at #1)
--Eddy Howard
2 Cold, Cold Heart--Tony Bennett
3 Down Yonder--Del Wood
--Joe "Fingers" Carr
--Champ Butler
4 Undecided--The Ames Brothers and Les Brown and his Band of Renown
5 Because of You--Tony Bennett
--Les Baxter and his Orchestra
6 Charmaine--Mantovani and his Orchestra
7 Shrimp Boats--Jo Stafford
8 Jealousy (Jalousie)--Frankie Laine
9 Slow Poke--Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys
10 Cry--Johnnie Ray and the Four Lads
There were no singles entering the chart.
World events
At a news conference in Erding, West Germany, four American fliers released the previous day by Hungary claimed that they had flown off course on November 19 in murky skies while transporting a diplomatic cargo from Munich to Belgrade.
Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion denounced U.S. Zionist leaders for not moving to Israel.
War
In an effort to rescue stalled armistice talks, U.S. negotiators at Panmunjom offered to forego aerial inspection of Communist positions during a cease-fire. Disagreement remained over construction of new military airports, which the Americans wanted banned.
Defense
The $44-million, 540-foot U.S. Navy destroyer leader USS Norfolk, the largest destroyer in the world, was launched in Camden, New Jersey.
Politics and government
Colombian opposition leader Carlos Augusto Noriega, President of the House of Representatives, was removed from office and physically ejected from the chamber for trying to block debate.
The U.S. House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee urged the adoption of the death penalty for peacetime espionage in the United States.
Energy
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission announced the first use of an atomic reactor to generate electric power in the United States, near Arco, Idaho.
Health
U.S. President Harry Truman created a 15-member President's Commission on the Health Needs of the Nation, with Dr. Paul Magnuson as chairman.
Football
NCAA
Blue-Gray Game @ Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama
Gray 20 Blue 14
50 years ago
1961
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Take Good Care of My Baby--Bobby Vee (2nd week at #1)
Los Angeles's Top 40 (KFWB)
21 Your Ma Said You Cried in Your Sleep Last Night--Kenny Dino
22 Town Without Pity--Gene Pitney
23 Unchain My Heart--Ray Charles and his Orchestra
24 Moments to Remember--Jennell Hawkins
25 Jingle Bell Rock--Bobby Rydell/Chubby Checker
26 I Don't Know Why--Linda Scott
27 Surfer Stomp--The Marketts
28 When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart)--Connie Francis
29 Small Sad Sam--Phil McLean
30 Pocketful of Miracles--Frank Sinatra
31 Just Out of Reach--Solomon Burke
32 Big Bad John--Jimmy Dean
33 Surfin'--The Beach Boys
34 And Then Came Love--Ed Townsend
35 Jambalaya (On the Bayou)--Fats Domino
36 Tonight--Ferrante & Teicher
37 The Wanderer--Dion
38 Crazy--Patsy Cline
39 Revenge--Brook Benton
40 Dear Ivan--Jimmy Dean
Surfer Stomp,Surfin', Jambalaya (On the Bayou), The Wanderer, and Dear Ivan were entering the chart. Surfin' was the Beach Boys' first single, and this was their first entry on any chart.
On television tonight The Twilight Zone, on CBS
Tonight's episode: A Quality of Mercy, starring Dean Stockwell, Albert Salmi, and Jerry Fujikawa
Boxing
Alejandro Lavorante (19-2) knocked out Von Clay (16-6-2) at 1:10 of the 2nd round of a heavyweight bout at Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. It proved to be the last win for Mr. Lavorante.
40 years ago
1971
Hit parade
#1 single in the U.K. (New Musical Express): Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)--Benny Hill (5th week at #1)
On television tonight Rod Serling's Night Gallery, on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Different Ones, starring Dana Andrews and Jon Korkes; Tell David..., starring Sandra Dee and Jared Martin; Logoda's Heads, starring Patrick Macnee, Brock Peters, Denise Nicholas, and Tim Matheson
War
U.S. Air Force and Navy planes concluded three days of heavy bombing raids on military installations in North Vietnam; it was the first time since 1968 that a series of attacks against North Vietnam had lasted more than two days.
25 years ago
1986
Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Funkytown--Pseudo Echo (2nd week at #1)
Died on this date
Harold Macmillan, 92. Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1957-1963. Mr. Macmillan, who accepted a peerage as Lord Stockton in 1984, succeeded Anthony Eden as Prime Minister in 1957 and led his Conservative Party to an easy election win in 1959, but resigned in the wake of a scandal involving a relationship between Defense Secretary John Profumo and call girl Christine Keeler.
20 years ago
1991
Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Black or White--Michael Jackson (6th week at #1)
#1 single in Austria (Ö3): Let's Talk About Sex--Salt-N-Pepa (7th week at #1)
#1 single in Switzerland: Black or White--Michael Jackson (5th week at #1)
Died on this date
Susan Wright, 44. Miss Wright, a native of Calgary, grew up in Saskatoon, where she began her career. She was best known as a stage actress, appearing frequently at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, and winning two Dora Mavor Moore Awards and an ACTRA Award. Miss Wright appeared in several films and television programs. She and her parents were staying in a house in Stratford owned by actor Brent Carver, who was absent when the others died in a fire.
Died on this date
Takashi Asahina, 93. Japanese orchestra conductor. Mr. Asahina founded the Kansai Symphonic Orchestra (today the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra) in 1947, and was its principal conductor until his death. He specialized in the music of Anton Bruckner.
Crime
Magloire Poissant murdered his ex-wife Colette Harnois, her two sons Mathieu MacDonald, 18, and Michael MacDonald, 15, and their friend Francis Mongrain, age 17, at Ms. Harnois' home in Lavaltrie, Quebec.
Weather
Five days of snow in Buffalo, New York ended with a record total of 6 feet and 9 inches.
Disasters
Nearly 300 people were killed when a firecracker ignited fireworks stands lining narrow streets in Lima, Peru.
