February 18, 2012

120 years ago
1892

Politics and government
The cabinet of French Prime Minister Charles de Freycinet fell because of a hostile vote on M. de Freycinet's bill against religious associations. M. de Freycinet was replaced as Prime Minister on February 27 by Émile Loubet.

Crime
In Yokohama, Japan, United States Navy Lieutenant James Hetherington shot and killed British businessman George Gower Robinson, supposedly because Mr. Robinson was too persistent in his admiration of Lt. Hetherington's wife, Elizabeth. Lt. Hetherington's trial in Yokohama began in March. The conduct of Mrs. Hetherington was the subject of much gossip.

In Cannes, France, U.S. banker Edward P. Deacon shot and killed Emile Abeille, a Frenchman and erstwhile friend of Mr. Deacon, who was in bed with Mrs. Deacon at the Hotel Splendide when Mr. Deacon interrupted.

60 years ago
1952

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Paul Jelley!

On television tonight
Lights Out, on NBC
Tonight's episode: The Eyes from San Francisco, starring Steven Hill and Thomas MItchell

Died on this date
Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 50. Spanish writer. Mr. Poncela wrote about 50 plays, about 40 novels and novellas, and about 25 screenplays in a career spanning more than 30 years. His works used the theatre of the absurd, and attracted much criticism in his own time. Mr. Poncela died of cancer, bankrupt and almost forgotten, but his works are more highly regarded today.

40 years ago
1972

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Ezra Levant!

Politics and government
Giulio Andreotti was sworn in as Prime Minister of Italy, leading the nation’s 33rd government since World War II. Mr. Andreotti headed a minority cabinet composed only of Christian Democratic ministers, following the failure of attempts to revive the centre-left coalition government that had resigned the previous month.

Disasters
77 people were killed when an Egyptian bus plunged into a Nile River Delta irrigation canal.

30 years ago
1982

At the movies
This blogger attended a free preview screening of the Canadian movie Melanie, starring Glynnis O'Connor, Trudy Young, Paul Sorvino, Burton Cummings, and Don Johnson.

25 years ago
1987

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Caravan of Love--The Housemartins (2nd week at #1)

Hockey
NHL
Toronto 2 @ Edmonton 9

As a Maple Leafs' fan, I made the mistake of buying a ticket to the game from a scalper--albeit just slightly above the ticket price--and was not impressed when the Oilers led 8-0 after 2 periods. The Maple Leafs finally broke the shutout with 2 goals by Mike Allison in the last 3 minutes of the game.

20 years ago
1992

Olympics
Men's hockey
Canada 4 Germany 3 (double shootout)