May 5, 2015

800 years ago
1215

Protest
Rebel barons in England renounced their allegiance to King John — part of a chain of events leading to the signing of the Magna Carta.

460 years ago
1555

Died on this date
Marcellus II, 53. Roman Catholic Pope, 1555. Marcellus II, born Marcello Cervini degli Spannochi, was ordained a priest in 1535, and held various bishoprics and administrative positions before succeeding Pope Julius III on April 9, 1555. Pope Marcellus fell ill soon after his installation, and died of a stroke, just 22 days into his papacy, and five days before his 54th birthday. He was succeeded as Pope by Paul IV.

450 years ago
1565

Died on this date
Munjeong, 63. Queen consort of Korea, 1517-1544. Munjeong, a great-grandniece of Queen Jeonghyeon, became Queen consort as the third wife of King Jungjong. She served as regent during the minority of their son Myeongjong who acceded to the throne upon the death of his half-brother Injong in 1545. Queen Munjeong was still regent at the time of her death.

180 years ago
1835

Transportation
In Belgium, the first railway in continental Europe opened between Brussels and Mechelen.

175 years ago
1840

Politics and government
The U.S. Democratic National Convention opened at the Assembly Rooms in Baltimore.

150 years ago
1865

Crime
The first train robbery in the United States took place in North Bend, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati.

125 years ago
1890

Born on this date
Christopher Morley. U.S. writer. Mr. Morley was a journalist, novelist, essayist and poet. His novels included Thunder on the Left (1925) and Kitty Foyle (1939). Mr. Morley was a contributing editor of Saturday Review of Literature. He was a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast and helped to found the Baker Street Irregulars, New York's famous Sherlock Holmes society, as well as writing In Memoriam Sherlock Holmes, the introduction to the 1930 omnibus edition The Complete Sherlock Holmes. Mr. Morley died on March 28, 1957 at the age of 66.

100 years ago
1915

Born on this date
Ben Wright. U.K.-born U.S. actor. Mr. Wright specialized in various dialects as a radio actor and as a character actor in movies and television programs. He played Sherlock Holmes in the last season of the radio series The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1949-1950) and appeared in such movies as Judgment at Nuremberg (1961); My Fair Lady (1964); and The Sound of Music (1965). Mr. Wright died on July 2, 1989 at the age of 74.

Alice Faye. U.S. actress and singer. Miss Faye, born Alice Jeane Leppert, was a popular star of movie musicals in the 1930s and '40s. She was known for introducing the song You'll Never Know in the movie Hello, Frisco, Hello (1943). Miss Faye quit making movies in the mid-1940s, but remained popular on radio, co-starring with her second husband, bandleader Phil Harris, in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (1948-1954). Miss Faye died on May 9, 1998, four days after her 83rd birthday.

90 years ago
1925

Law
High school teacher John Thomas Scopes was arrested for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in a public school in Tennessee, contrary to a state law.

Africana
The government of South Africa declared Afrikaans an official language.

80 years ago
1935

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Louis Hector and Leigh Lovell, on NBC

Baseball
In front of 30,000 fans at Braves Field, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Boston Braves 7-0, as Dizzy Dean pitched the shutout and hit a home run. He walked Babe Ruth once and struck him out once.

75 years ago
1940

War
Norwegian squads in Hegra Fortress and Vinjesvingen capitulated to German forces after all other Norwegian forces in southern Norway had laid down their arms. Three Allied destroyers, convoying disembarking troops from Norway, were destroyed by attacks from German aircraft.

Diplomacy
Japanese Foreign Minister Arita stated that his government would soon sign an agreement with the U.K. and France to end the controversy over the Japanese blockade of Tientsin, China.

Politics and government
Norwegian refugees formed a government-in-exile in London.

A Gallup Poll U.S. presidential trial heat revealed that President Franklin D. Roosevelt would defeat U.S. Senator Robert Taft (Republican--Ohio) by 58%-42%.

Economics and finance
Dr. T.F. Tsiang appealed to the United States to help support the Nationalist Chinese currency.

70 years ago
1945

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): My Dreams are Getting Better All the Time--Les Brown and his Orchestra (vocal chorus by Doris Day) (Best Seller--5th week at #1; Juke Box--3rd week at #1; Honor Roll of Hits--6th week at #1); Dream--The Pied Pipers with Paul Weston and his Orchestra; Sentimental Journey--Les Brown and his Orchestra (vocal chorus by Doris Day) (Airplay--1st week at #1)

War
The United States War Department announced that two million veterans of overseas service would be discharged after Victory in Europe Day and about six million would be sent to the Pacific theatre. A Japanese balloon bomb killed a woman and five children near Lakeview, Oregon, the first recorded victims of an enemy attack upon the U.S. mainland during World War II. German commanders surrendered in Canadian sector near Wilhelmshaven, Aurich, and Emden. German Army Group G, comprising 200,000-400,000 men, surrendered to American forces, ending resistance in Bavaria and western Austria. Canadian and British troops liberated the Netherlands and Denmark from German occupation when Wehrmacht troops capitulated. Allied troops liberated the Nazi death camp at Mauthausen, Austria; it was the last such camp to be liberated. The Prague uprising began as an attempt by the Czech resistance to free the city from German occupation. The United States Navy reported that planes from Okinawa had sunk 5 Japanese ships and damaged 16 others in the Tsushima and Korean Straits.

Diplomacy
U.S.S.R. Foreign Commissar Vyacheslav Molotov told the U.S.A. and U.K. that 16 Polish underground leaders connected with the Polish government-in-exile in London had been arrested by the Soviet Union on charges of diversionist activities against the Red Army. The U.S.A. and U.K. requested an explanation, and broke off negotiations with the U.S.S.R. on the Soviet-installed Polish provisional government pending receipt of the facts.

At the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, the Big Four powers (U.S.A.; U.K.; U.S.S.R.; China) proposed 22 amendments to the Dumbarton Oaks plan. Proposals concerned the statement of principles for the charter of the future world organization.

World events
U.S. officials in Italy announced the arrest near Genoa of American poet Ezra Pound, who espoused Fascism and made radio broadcasts on behalf of the Axis.

Abominations
18 American editors who toured German prison camps issued a statement condemning the Nazi plan of calculated brutality and urging punishment of war criminals.

Defense
The 27,000-ton U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Kearsarge was launched in New York.

Labour
The World Trade Union Conference, with representatives from 35 countries, concluded in Oakland, California with publication an agreed-upon charter calling for free labour movements in member states.

60 years ago
1955

Germanica
West Germany became a sovereign state.

Medicine
American virologist Dr. Jonas Salk witnessed a ceremonial polio vaccination in London. Margaret Jenkins, 21, became the 500,000th person in London to receive the Salk polio vaccine.

Boxing
Sonny Liston (10-1) scored a technical knockout of Emil Brtko (15-2) at 2:55 of the 5th round of a heavyweight bout at Duquesne Gardens in Pittsburgh.

50 years ago
1965

At the movies
Synanon, produced and directed by Richard Quine, and starring Edmond O'Brien, Chuck Connors, and Stella Stevens, opened in theatres in New York City.



Wild Seed, directed by Brian G. Hutton, and starring Michael Parks and Celia Kaye, opened in theatres.



Music
The Beach Boys were at Western Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, where they recorded the songs Amusement Parks, U.S.A. and Graduation Day. Amusement Parks, U.S.A. was subsequently released on the album Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (1965), while Graduation Day was unreleased until 1990, when it appeared as a bonus track on the "twofer" CD The Beach Boys Today/Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!).

The Warlocks, later known as The Grateful Dead, made their first public appearance in Menlo Park, California.

War
A formal cease-fire in the Dominican Republic's civil war was negotiated by a special commission of the Organization of American States. It was signed by representatives of the junta led by Air Force General Elias Wessin y Wessin and rebels who demanded the return of former President Juan Bosch. Fighting continued in Santo Domingo, and a further contingent of American troops was landed to set up an international security zone in the capital.

Baseball
Jim Bunning and Warren Spahn each pitched 4-hit complete games, but Mr. Bunning's home run leading off the top of the 6th inning provided the game's only scoring as the Philadelphia Phillies edged the New York Mets 1-0 before 14,134 fans at Shea Stadium in New York.



40 years ago
1975

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): The Newcastle Song--Bob Hudson (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Showa Kare Susuki--Sakura & Ichiro (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): El Bimbó--Bimbo Jet (2nd week at #1)

Economics and finance
The Canadian government of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau raised the export price of natural gas from $1.00 per thousand cubic feet to $1.40 effective August 1, 1975, and to $1.60 effective November 1, 1975.

Baseball
The Oakland Athletics released pinch runner Herb Washington. Mr. Washington was a track star who hadn't played baseball since high school, but had been signed by Oakland owner Charlie Finley prior to the 1974 season as part of Mr. Finley's idea of promoting a "designated runner." Mr. Washington played in 92 regular season games in 1974, scoring 29 runs and stealing 29 bases. In 13 games in 1975 he scored 4 runs and stole 2 bases. Mr. Washington's position with the Athletics became precarious when they acquired outfielder Don Hopkins from the Montreal Expos and then infielder Matt Alexander from the Chicago Cubs, both of whom were usually used as pinch runners but could also play in the field occasionally.

The California Angels released pitcher Orlando Pena. Mr. Pena had been in and out of the major leagues since 1958, and the Angels, whom he had joined in 1974, were his eighth major league team. In 7 games with California in 1975 Mr. Pena had posted a record of 0-2 with an earned run average of 2.08.

The New York Yankees released infielder Eddie Leon. Mr. Leon had played with the Cleveland Indians (1968-1972) and Chicago White Sox (1973-1974), batting .236 with 24 home runs and 159 runs batted in in 600 games before being traded to the Yankees after the 1974 season. He was released the day after appearing in his only game as a Yankee, playing shortstop in the 8th inning of New York's 11-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jim Palmer pitched a 5-hit complete game, walking none and striking out 7, to win a pitchers' duel over Catfish Hunter as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the New York Yankees 3-1 before 13,591 fans at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. Mr. Hunter also pitched a complete game, allowing just 6 hits and 1 earned run in 8 innings.

Doug Rau pitched a 2-hit shutout as the Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Houston Astros 2-0 before 22,236 fans at Dodger Stadium.

Shortstop Mike Tyson batted 3 for 4 with a triple, home run, 1 run, and 4 runs batted in to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to an 11-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies before 9,198 fans at Busch Memorial Stadium in St. Louis. Bob Gibson allowed 6 hits and 3 runs--2 earned--in 7 innings in picking up his first win of the season after 3 losses.

Wayne Tyrone, designated hitter for the Midland Cubs of the AA Texas League, charged into the right field bleachers after an abusive fan during the first game of a doubleheader in Shreveport, and landed some solid punches. Mr. Tyrone was arrested and charged with simple battery, and posted a $200 bond to obtain his release. TL President Bobby Bragan subsequently fined Mr. Tyrone $500 and suspended him for two days.

30 years ago
1985

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): We are the World--USA for Africa (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): We are the World--USA for Africa

#1 single in Switzerland: We are the World--USA for Africa

On the radio
The Stories of Sherlock Holmes, starring Graham Armitage and Kerry Jordan, on Springbok Radio
Tonight's episode: The Man Who Came in from the Fog

Diplomacy
U.S. President Ronald Reagan attended a wreath-laying ceremony and made a speech at a military cemetery in Bitburg, West Germany, and the site of the Nazi concentration camp Bergen-Belsen. The visit drew worldwide condemnation because 49 members of the Waffen SS were buried there.

Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Prince of Wales Conference Finals
Quebec 2 Philadelphia 1 (OT) (Quebec led best-of-seven series 1-0)

25 years ago
1990

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): Vogue/Keep It Together--Madonna

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Vattene Amore--Amedeo Minghi; Mietta (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Vogue--Madonna (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): How am I Supposed to Live Without You--Michael Bolton (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Le temps des Yéyés--Les Vagabonds (7th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): Vogue--Madonna (4th week at #1)

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Nothing Compares to U--Sinead O’Connor (2nd week at #1)
2 Don’t Wanna Fall in Love--Jane Child
3 I Wanna Be Rich--Calloway
4 How Can We Be Lovers--Michael Bolton
5 Whip Appeal--Babyface
6 All Around the World--Lisa Stansfield
7 Without You--Motley Crue
8 Here and Now--Luther Vandross
9 All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You--Heart
10 What it Takes--Aerosmith

Singles entering the chart were I'll Be Your Shelter by Taylor Dayne (#54); Love Is by Alannah Myles (#66); Notice Me by Nikki (#68); Cradle of Love by Billy Idol (#72); Dare to Fall in Love by Brent Bourgeois (#73); Shake by Andrew Ridgely (#75); Club at the End of the Street by Elton John (#81); Girls Nite Out by Tyler Collins (#85); Only My Heart Talkin' by Alice Cooper (#87); and Sittin' in the Lap of Luxury by Louie Louie (#90).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Nothing Compares to U--Sinead O’Connor
2 Lover of Mine--Alannah Myles
3 All Around the World--Lisa Stansfield
4 How Can We Be Lovers--Michael Bolton
5 Don’t Wanna Fall in Love--Jane Child
6 This Old Heart of Mine--Rod Stewart with Ronald Isley
7 I’ll Be Your Everything--Tommy Page
8 The Heart of the Matter--Don Henley
9 All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You--Heart
10 Blue Sky Mine--Midnight Oil

Singles entering the chart were Do You Remember? by Phil Collins (#71); Cradle of Love by Billy Idol (#75); Deadbeat Club by the B-52's (#79); Jealous Again by the Black Crowes (#81); The Downeaster "Alexa" by Billy Joel (#83); U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer (#85); Ooh Lala by Perfect Gentlemen (#88); Sending All My Love by Linear (#91); Mr. Cab Driver by Lenny Kravitz (#93); and Getting Away with It by Electronic (#95).

Theatre
This blogger attended a performance of Stewart Lemoine's play Planet of the Lost Swing Babes at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. The play was part of the Edmonton Teen Festival. Andrea House was a particular standout in the cast.

Politics and government
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev condemned the previous day’s decision of the Latvian parliament in favour of independence from the U.S.S.R.

Horse racing
Unbridled, with Craig Perret aboard, won the 116th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville in a time of 2:02. Summer Squall placed second and Pleasant Tap third.



Hockey
NHL
Stanley Cup
Conference Finals
Washington 0 @ Boston 3 (Boston led best-of-seven series 2-0)

20 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Se på mej--Jan Johansen (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Key to My Life--Boyzone (3rd week at #1)

Died on this date
Mikhail Botvinnik, 83. U.S.S.R. chess player. Mr. Botvinnik was an an electrical engineeer and computer scientist who pioneered computer chess, and was world chess champion three times (1948-1957, 1958-1960, 1961-1963). He made significant contributions to the design of the World Chess Championship system after World War II and to the Soviet coaching system that produced world champions such as Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, and Vladimir Kramnik. Mr. Botvinnik worked on a computer program to help manage the Russian economy in his later years, and was active until shortly before his death from pancreatic cancer.

Transportation
Canadian National Railways' new rail tunnel between Sarnia, Ontario and Port Huron, Michigan officially opened. The tunnel could handle full height double stack container cars.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate had risen from 5.5%-5.8% in April.

10 years ago
2005

Politics and government
The United Kingdom's Labour Party government of Prime Minister Tony Blair won a third term in office in the British general election, but with its majority in the House of Commons reduced from 167 seats to 66.