November 18, 2014

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Veronica Vamosi, Patty Werbicki, Tommy-Joe Coffey, Warren Moon, and Darren Flutie!

520 years ago
1494

War
French forces of King Charles VIII occupied Florence.

125 years ago
1889

Born on this date
Stanislav Kosior. Polish-born U.S.S.R. politician. Mr. Kosior joined the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1907 and organized Communist cells in Ukraine from 1913-1915 before being exiled to Siberia. He returned to Russia in 1917, and worked for the Bolsheviks in Ukraine after the October Revolution. He was First Secretary of the Communist Party of Ukraine (1919, 1920, 1928-1938). Mr. Kosior was appointed head of the Soviet Control Office and Deputy Prime Minister in January 1938, but was arrested by the secret police NKVD and stripped of all party posts just over three months later. On February 26, 1939, at the age of 49, he was sentenced to death, and was shot the same day by General Vasili Blokhin. On January 13, 2010, the Court of Appeals of Ukraine officially condemned Mr. Kosior as a political criminal for organizing mass famine in Ukraine in 1932–1933, but quashed criminal proceedings because of his death.

80 years ago
1934

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Louis Hector and Leigh Lovell, on NBC
Today's episode: The Case of the Lost Special

This was another episode based on one of A. Conan Doyle's non-Sherlock Holmes stories.

75 years ago
1939

Married on this date
New York Yankees' center fielder Joe DiMaggio, the American League's Most Valuable Player of 1939, married aspiring actress Dorothy Arnold.

Football
CRU
IRFU
Finals
Toronto 0 @ Ottawa 11 (First game of 2-game, total points series)

WIFU
Finals
Winnipeg 28 @ Calgary 7 (Winnipeg won 2-game, total points series 35-20)

ORFU
Finals
Montreal 1 @ Sarnia 13 (First game of 2-game, total points series)

Orville Burke completed a 45-yard pass to Tommy Daley in the 1st quarter for the winning touchdown as the Rough Riders shut out the Argonauts before 12,000 fans at Lansdowne Park. Tony Golab scored the other touchdown on a short rush after Toronto's Bill Stukus fumbled a punt, and Ottawa's Leo Seguin recovered. Tiny Herman converted Mr. Golab's touchdown.

Fritz Hanson rushed 18 times for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns--including a TD run of 69 yards--as the Blue Bombers defeated the Bronks before 5,000 fans at Mewata Stadium to win their third straight Western title. Winnipeg, trailing ther series 13-7 after the first game, tied the series on the first play from scrimmage when Calgary's Jimmy Gilkes fumbled and Winnipeg's Bill Ceretti returned the ball 16 yards for a touchdown, converted by Ches McCance. Bizz Bisbing scored the only Calgary touchdown on a 4-yard rush late in the game.

70 years ago
1944

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): I'll Walk Alone--Dinah Shore (Best Seller--4th week at #1); (There'll Be a) Hot Time in the Town of Berlin (When the Yanks Go Marching In)--Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters with Vic Schoen and his Orchestra (Jukebox--6th week at #1)

War
British troops in the Netherlands crossed the Zig Canal and seized Helden, 7 1/2 miles from the German stronghold of Venlo in Holland. Soviet units in Hungary tore three new holes in the German defense line running northeast from Budapest to Miskolc. Albanian troops under General Enver Hoxha drove German forces out of the capital city of Tirana. The U.S. Coast Guard announced that general recruiting of Spars would end on November 23.

Crime
Fifty Negro U.S. seamen were sentenced from 8-15 years in prison and given dishonourable discharges for mutiny when refusing to load ammunition at Port Chicago.

Diplomacy
Nicaragua announced its recognition of the U.S.S.R.

Politics and government
Popular Socialist Youth was founded in Cuba.

Economics and finance
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's special committee to survey the cost of living reported a rise of 23.4% from January 1941 to September 1944.

Football
CRU
ORFU
Finals
Hamilton 0 @ Toronto 6 (Hamilton won 2-game total points series 13-10)

Canadian Navy
Final
(Toronto) HMCS York Bulldogs 12 @ (Montreal) HMCS St. Hyacinthe-Donnacona 1

Earl Selkirk completed a 92-yard touchdown pass to Billy Myers in the 2nd quarter and added the convert, but it wasn't enough, as the Wildcats held on to win the series at Varsity Stadium and advance to the Grey Cup one week hence.

Annis Stukus completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rod Egan 4 minutes into the game, and Ed Laing returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter as the Bulldogs defeated the "Combines" before 5,000 fans at Molson Stadium. Mr. Stukus converted both TDs. Dutch Davey broke up the shutout late in the game with a punt single. The Bulldogs declined to play in the Grey Cup because of a regulation prohibiting an armed services team from playing a civilian team. Because of a misunderstanding, HMCS St. Hyacinthe-Donnacona did play in the Grey Cup a week later against the Wildcats in Hamilton.

50 years ago
1964

Music
The single I Feel Fine/She's a Woman by the Beatles was released in the United Kingdom on Parlophone Records.

Transportation
The mining company Cominco first sent lead-zinc ore by rail from Pine Point, Northwest Territories to smelters in Trail and Kimberley, British Columbia over the recently completed Great Slave Lake Railway.

Football
CFL
Western Finals
Calgary 14 @ British Columbia 10 (Best-of-three series tied 1-1)

Turnovers were the difference as the Stampeders defeated the Lions before 28,547 fans at Empire Stadium in Vancouver. The Lions appeared to be driving for a touchdown late in the game when fullback Bob Swift fumbled as a Calgary player's helmet hit the ball and popped it high in the air, and the Stampeders recovered at their own 22-yard line. Lovell Coleman scored the only Calgary touchdown on a 15-yard rush. Larry Robinson converted and added 2 field goals and a single, but missed 5 field goals.

40 years ago
1974

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): I Honestly Love You--Olivia Newton-John

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Rock Your Baby--George McCrae (4th week at #1)

Music
The Beach Boys recorded Child of Winter (Christmas Song), which was released as a single on December 23.

Football
NFL
Kansas City (4-6) 42 @ Denver (4-5-1) 34

30 years ago
1984

Hit parade
#1 single in France (SNEP): Besoin de rien, envie de toi--Peter and Sloane (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: I Just Called to Say I Love You--Stevie Wonder (4th week at #1)

Football
CFL
Grey Cup @ Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Winnipeg 47 Hamilton 17

The Blue Bombers overcame early 14-0 and 17-3 deficits to rout the Tiger-Cats before 60,081 freezing fans (including this blogger and a lovely female companion) in the first Grey Cup ever played in Edmonton. It was Winnipeg’s first Grey Cup win in 22 years. Trailing 17-3 early in the second quarter, the Blue Bombers scored 27 straight points to take a 30-17 halftime lead, and cruised from there. Winnipeg quarterback Tom Clements, the game’s outstanding offensive player, completed 20 of 29 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown to Joe Poplawski. Mr. Clements handed off to Willard Reaves for 2 touchdowns, and backup quarterback John Hufnagel completed a touchdown pass to Jeff Boyd. Defensive end Stan Mikawos scored the other Winnipeg touchdown on a 22-yard fumble return when Hamilton quarterback Dieter Brock was sacked in the second quarter. Trevor Kennerd converted all 5 touchdowns and was successful on all 4 of his field goal attempts. Mr. Poplawski, Mr. Kennerd, and Sean Kehoe, Edmonton natives and University of Alberta alumni, all had big games. Mr. Kehoe was voted the game’s outstanding Canadian; he rushed 12 times for 89 yards, caught 5 passes for 47, and returned 2 punts for 31. Tyrone Jones of the Blue Bombers sacked Mr. Brock 4 times and was chosen the outstanding defensive player. Mr. Brock, playing his final CFL game and his only Grey Cup, surprised the Blue Bombers with a 15-yard run for the game’s first touchdown, and completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Rocky DiPietro for the Tiger-Cats’ other touchdown in the first quarter. Mr. Brock, who was relieved by Jeff Tedford for the final few plays, completed 21 of 42 passes for 198 yards. Bernie Ruoff converted both Hamilton touchdowns and added a field goal. Despite the fact that the field had been covered by a tarp for several days, there were still icy patches that affected the play.



25 years ago
1989

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Lambada--Kaoma (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): If Only I Could--Sydney Youngblood (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): Girl I'm Gonna Miss You--Milli Vanilli (5th week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Swing the Mood--Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (BMRB): All Around the World--Lisa Stansfield (2nd week at #1)

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 When I See You Smile--Bad English (2nd week at #1)
2 Blame it on the Rain--Milli Vanilli
3 Love Shack--The B-52's
4 (It's Just) The Way that You Love Me--Paula Abdul
5 Listen to Your Heart--Roxette
6 We Didn't Start the Fire--Billy Joel
7 Angelia--Richard Marx
8 Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)--New Kids on the Block
9 Poison--Alice Cooper
10 Back to Life--Soul II Soul

Singles entering the chart were I Remember You by Skid Row (#63); Pretending by Eric Clapton (#83); Tender Lover by Babyface (#85); I'll Be Good to You by Qunicy Jones featuring Ray Charles and Chaka Khan (#86); and No More Lies by Michel'le (#92).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 When I See You Smile--Bad English
2 Blame it on the Rain--Milli Vanilli
3 (It's Just) The Way that You Love Me--Paula Abdul
4 Listen to Your Heart--Roxette
5 Angelia--Richard Marx
6 Love Shack--The B-52's
7 Sowing the Seeds of Love--Tears for Fears
8 We Didn't Start the Fire--Billy Joel
9 Cover Girl--New Kids on the Block
10 Get on Your Feet--Gloria Estefan

Singles entering the chart were This One's for the Children by New Kids on the Block (#63); I'll Be Good to You by Quincy Jones featuring Ray Charles and Chaka Khan (#70); New Thing by Enuff Z’Nuff (#76); Two to Make it Right by Seduction (#80); Swing the Mood by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers (#82); and Don't Take it Personal by Jermaine Jackson (#90).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Sowing the Seeds of Love--Tears for Fears (3rd week at #1)
2 Miss You Much--Janet Jackson
3 Listen to Your Heart--Roxette
4 No Souvenirs--Melissa Etheridge
5 Angelia--Richard Marx
6 Cover Girl--New Kids on the Block
7 When I See You Smile--Bad English
8 The Best--Tina Turner
9 Healing Hands--Elton John
10 Another Day in Paradise--Phil Collins

Singles entering the chart were Pretending by Eric Clapton (#74); Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson (#76); Swing the Mood by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers (#78); Woman's Work by Sheree (#82); Let Me Go by Melissa Etheridge (#84); Rescue Me by Sass Jordan (#87); Sunshine by Dino (#89); and Licence to Chill by Billy Ocean (#91).

Society
Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey signed a law restricting abortions, making Pennsylvania the first state to restrict abortions after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in July giving states the right to do so. The Pennsylvania law banned most abortions at public hospitals and almost all abortions after 24 weeks of gestation. For abortions that were permitted, prior notification of the spouse and a 24-hour waiting period were required.

Protest
More than 50,000 people took to the streets of Sofia to demand political reform in Bulgaria.

Football
CIAU
Vanier Cup @ SkyDome, Toronto
Western Ontario 35 Saskatchewan 10

Quarterback Chris Gaffney completed 8 of 18 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 3 touchdowns himself to lead the Mustangs over the Huskies in the first Vanier Cup to be played indoors, before a crowd of 32,877. It was the Mustangs’ sixth national championship, but first since 1977, while it was the Huskies’ first appearance in the Vanier Cup. Tyrone Williams, who caught Mr. Gaffney’s touchdown pass in the third quarter, caught 5 passes for 157 yards and was named the game’s most valuable player. Mike Clawson scored the other UWO touchdown on a 5-yard run with 29 seconds remaining in the first half after Saskatchewan running back Terry Eisler was stopped on a third down- and-2 gamble on their own 42-yard line. Steve McCann converted all 5 Western Ontario touchdowns. Saskatchewan slotback Dan Farthing scored the Huskies’ touchdown on a 14-yard rush in the second quarter. Phil Guebert converted and added a field goal, also in the second quarter. UWO linebacker Darryl Forde, whose first-quarter interception set up Mr. Gaffney’s first touchdown, was named the game’s outstanding defensive player, while his brother Duane was the game’s leading rusher with 13 carries for 58 yards.



Hockey
NHL
Montreal 4 Toronto 3 (OT)

20 years ago
1994

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): This is the Way--E-type (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Spanish Lady--Dustin

Died on this date
Cab Calloway, 86. U.S. singer and bandleader. Mr. Calloway was known as a major practitioner of scat singing and for leading Cab Calloway and his Orchesrta, who performed regularly at the Cotton Club in New York City's Harlem area. His best-known song was Minnie the Moocher, which reached #1 on the U.S. singles chart in 1931, and which he performed for decades thereafter. Mr. Calloway died five months after suffering a severe stroke.

World events
Palestinian police, claiming that demonstrators had fired first, fired on terrorists in Gaza City, leading to clashes across the city. 14 terrorists and 1 policeman were killed, and as many as 200 demonstrators and 10 policemen wounded. The terrorist organization Hamas appealed for calm.

Energy
The government of Quebec officially shelved Hydro Quebec's $13.3-billion Great Whale powerdam project after lobbying by Quebec Cree Indians and a softening of the U.S. power market.

Economics and finance
The United States Commerce Department reported that the nation's trade deficit had risen to $10.13 billion in September.

10 years ago
2004

Died on this date
Cy Coleman, 75. U.S. musician and songwriter. Mr. Coleman, born Seymour Kaufman, was a jazz pianist, but was best known for writing songs for Broadway musicals. His songs included Witchcraft; Hey Look Me Over; and Big Spender.

Diplomacy
The United Nations Security Council held a two-day session in Nairobi, marking the first time it had convened outside of its New York headquarters.