July 21, 2015

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Garland Grayston!

1,650 years ago
365

Disasters
A tsunami devastated the city of Alexandria, Egypt. The tsunami was caused by the Crete earthquake, estimated to be 8.0 on the Richter scale. 5,000 people perished in Alexandria, and 45,000 more died outside the city.

150 years ago
1865

Died on this date
Davis Tutt, 29 (?). U.S. gunfight victim. Mr. Tutt, a former Confederate soldier, was killed in a shootout with Wild Bill Hickok in the town square of Springfield, Missouri. The incident is regarded as the first western showdown. Mr. Hickok was arrested two days later and charged with manslaughter; the trial lasted from August 3-6, 1865, and ended in acquittal.

125 years ago
1890

Transportation
A crowd of 2,500 attended the sod-turning ceremony in Calgary for the Calgary and Edmonton Railway.

90 years ago
1925

Law
The ''monkey trial'' ended in Dayton, Tennessee, with high school teacher John T. Scopes convicted of violating a Tennessee state law for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The conviction was later overturned.

80 years ago
1935

Diplomacy
The United States government apologized to Canada and paid $50,000 to compensate for sinking the rum-running boat I'm Alone in 1929.

75 years ago
1940

War
The United Kingdom announced bombing of Bremen and German positions in the Ruhr Valley, the Netherlands, and northern France.

Abominations
The parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania adopted resolutions declaring themselves to be Soviet republics.

Diplomacy
The Pan-American Consultative Conference opened in Havana.

Meeting in Cairo, leaders of six Arab states adopted plans for a postwar federation in the Middle East.

Politics and government
Japanese Prince Fumimaro Konoye completed his cabinet organization with the exclusion of all political parties.

Luiz Munoz Marin organized the Popular Democratic Party in Puerto Rico, with the ultimate goal of independence from the United States.

Labour
United Mine Workers of America President John L. Lewis opened a campaign to have all companies receiving government contracts adhere to the collective bargaining rights contained in the National Labor Relations Act.

70 years ago
1945

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Sentimental Journey--Les Brown and his Orchestra (vocal chorus by Doris Day) (Best Seller--9th week at #1; Airplay--6th week at #1; Juke Box--6th week at #1; Honor Roll of Hits--8th week at #1)

War
Captain E.M. Zacharias, an official U.S. spokesman, broadcast an appeal to Japan to surrender unconditionally or face total destruction and a dictated peace. Australian troops made shore-to-shore movement to seize the southwestern head of Balik Papan Bay, Borneo, gaining control of all entrances to the harbour.

Politics and government
Polish Prime Minister Edward Osubka-Morawski said in a Warsaw radio broadcast that there would be an amnesty for Polish political prisoners.

Diplomacy
The United States Senate voted in favour of U.S. membership in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Defense
The 72 1/2-ton U.S. Navy cargo carrier Hawaii Mars I, the world's largest flying boat, was launched at Baltimore.

Abominations
A conference of Methodists of the United Kingdom and Ireland resolved that women could become fully-ordained ministers, but that they had to retire when married.

50 years ago
1965

At the movies
I Saw What You Did, directed and co-produced by William Castle, and starring Joan Crawford, John Ireland, and Leif Erickson, opened in theatres.

40 years ago
1975

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Before the Next Teardrop Falls--Freddy Fender

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Kakkoman Boogie / Minato no Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka--Down Town Boogie Woogie Band (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Bella Sin Alma--Richard Cocciante (5th week at #1)

Music
Johnny Cash performed at Edmonton Coliseum as part of the "Coliseum of Stars" during Klondike Days.

Space
The Soyuz part of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project ended when the Soyuz spacecraft with the crew of Commander Alexei Leonov and Flight Engineer Valery Kubasov aboard landed in the U.S.S.R. The Apollo spacecraft, with the crew of Tom Stafford, Deke Slayton, and Vance Brand, remained in Earth orbit.

Abominations
The Canadian government of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau set up the Canadian Human Rights Commission, ostensibly to stop discrimination in employment by federal companies.

Baseball
The Texas Rangers fired manager Billy Martin, pitching coach Art Fowler, and bullpen coach Charlie Silvera. The team was in fourth place in the American League West Division with a record of 44-51, 15 1/2 games behind the first-place Oakland Athletics. Mr. Martin had taken over as manager late in the 1973 season, leading them to a 9-14 record. In 1974 the Rangers had finished a surprising 84-78, in second place in the AL West, and Mr. Martin had been named Manager of the Year. Mr. Martin was fired after a heated discussion with majority owner Brad Corbett. Mr. Martin wanted to sign veteran catcher Tom Egan, who had recently been released by the California Angels; Mr. Corbett preferred to go with younger players. Mr. Martin was replaced as manager by third base coach and former Philadelphia Phillies' manager Frank Lucchesi, who added Jimmy Piersall and Dick Gernert as interim coaches.

Oscar Gamble led off the bottom of the 11th inning with a home run as the Cleveland Indians edged the California Angels 2-1 before 11,012 fans at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland. Dave LaRoche pitched 2 1/3 hitless and scoreless innings of relief to get the win, while Ed Figueroa pitched a complete game in taking the loss.

Pinch hitter Bobby Darwin hit a 3-run home run in the 8th inning to help the Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Chicago White Sox 7-4 before 11,550 fans at White Sox Park.

Bert Blyleven pitched a 4-hitter for his first shutout of the season to win the pitchers' duel against Pat Dobson as the Minnesota Twins blanked the New York Yankees 3-0 before 12,475 fans at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington.

Dave Moates led off the bottom of the 1st inning with his first major league home run and his teammates scored 3 more runs in the inning as the Texas Rangers shut out the Boston Red Sox 6-0 before 11,147 fans at Arlington Stadium in the first game for Frank Lucchesi as manager of the Rangers after Billy Martin had been fired. Ferguson Jenkins pitched a 5-hitter, while Boston starter Luis Tiant allowed 12 hits and 6 earned runs in 6 innings.

Ken Forsch allowed 11 hits, including home runs by Dave Kingman and Rusty Staub, but still pitched a complete game for the Houston Astros as they beat the New York Mets 6-2 before 13,414 fans at Shea Stadium in New York. New York third baseman Joe Torre set a National League record and tied a major league record by grounding into 4 double plays. Goose Goslin of the Detroit Tigers in 1934 and Mike Kreevich of the Chicago White Sox in 1939 had also managed the dubious accomplishment.

Chris Speier doubled home 3 runs in the 7th inning and Jim Barr allowed 11 hits but no bases on balls in pitching a complete game victory and had a hit of his own as the San Francisco Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 before 3,417 fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Veteran Pittsburgh infielder pinch hit for losing pitcher John Candelaria in the 5th inning, singled, and scored in what turned out to be the final appearance of his 11-year major league career.

Manny Trillo singled home Jerry Morales with an unearned run in the top of the 9th inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers before 24,147 fans at Dodger Stadium. Rick Reuschel allowed 5 hits in 8+ innings to get the win, with relief help from Oscar Zamora. Andy Messersmith suffered his fourth straight defeat despite allowing just 6 hits and striking out 8 in pitching a complete game.

Harry Rasmussen, making his major league debut, pitched a 7-hit shutout for his first major league win and singled in a run as the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the San Diego Padres 4-0 before 7,493 fans at San Diego Stadium.

Hector Valenzuela pitched a no-hitter for the Coahuila Miners as they blanked the Tampico Dockworkers 3-0 in a Mexican League game. Only two batters reached base against Mr. Valenzuela, both when they were hit by pitches. He recorded 4 strikeouts. The no-hitter was the fourth in the Mexican League in 1975, setting a league record for a single season. It was the second for Coahuila--Tom Miali had pitched a 7-inning no-hitter against Chihuahua on June 8.

30 years ago
1985

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): 19--Paul Hardcastle (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Live is Life--Opus

#1 single in Switzerland: 19--Paul Hardcastle (6th week at #1)

Football
CFL
British Columbia (3-0) 39 @ Calgary (0-2) 14

Keyvan Jenkins, Roy Dewalt, Merv Fernandez, and John Pankratz scored touchdowns for the Lions; Dwight Edwards scored the Stampeders’ only touchdown in front of just 15,793 on a hot Sunday afternoon at McMahon Stadium.

25 years ago
1990

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): U Can't Touch This--MC Hammer

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): Un' Estate Italiana--Edoardo Bennato; Gianna Nannini (7th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Infinity (1990's...Time for the Guru)--Guru Josh (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Still Got the Blues (For You)--Gary Moore

#1 single in France (SNEP): Maldòn--Zouk Machine (5th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): Sacrifice/Healing Hands--Elton John (5th week at #1)

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Dirty Cash--Adventures of Stevie V (2nd week at #1)
2 Ooops Up--Snap!
3 Hijo de la Luna--Mecano
4 Back by Dope Demand--King Bee
5 What's a Woman?--Vaya Con Dios
6 Killer--Adamski
7 U Can't Touch This--MC Hammer
8 The Future--Prince
9 Blueshouse--B.B. Queen
10 It Must Have Been Love--Roxette

Singles entering the chart were Hear the Drummer (Get Wicked) by Chad Jackson (#23); Wil Niet Dat Je Weggaat by Clouseau (#27); Strung Out by Wendy & Lisa (#33); A Face in the Crowd by Tom Petty (#34); and Post Post-Modern Man by Devo (#40).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 She Ain't Worth It--Glenn Medeiros featuring Bobby Brown
2 Hold On--En Vogue
3 Cradle of Love--Billy Idol
4 Rub You the Right Way--Johnny Gill
5 Vision of Love--Mariah Carey
6 Step by Step--New Kids on the Block
7 The Power--Snap!
8 Girls Nite Out--Tyler Collins
9 Enjoy the Silence--Depeche Mode
10 When I'm Back on My Feet Again--Michael Bolton

Singles entering the chart were Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi (#58); Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love by Cheap Trick (#69); Banned in the U.S.A. by Luke featuring the 2 Live Crew (#81); All the Way by Calloway (#87); Summer Vacation by the Party (#90); Dirty Cash (Money Talks) by the Adventures of Stevie V (#92); Slow Love by Doc Box & B. Fresh (#97); and What Will I Do by Timmy T. (#98). Blaze of Glory was from the movie Young Guns II (1990).

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Step By Step--New Kids on the Block (5th week at #1)
2 She Ain’t Worth It--Glenn Medeiros featuring Bobby Brown
3 Hold On--En Vogue
4 Enjoy the Silence--Depeche Mode
5 I’ll Be Your Shelter--Taylor Dayne
6 Cradle of Love--Billy Idol
7 It Must Have Been Love--Roxette
8 Do You Remember?--Phil Collins
9 Ready or Not--After 7
10 When I'm Back on My Feet Again--Michael Bolton

Singles entering the chart were Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi (#45); Tonight by New Kids on the Block (#47); Can't Stop Fallin' Into Love by Cheap Trick (#52); Stranger to Love by St. Paul (#55); How Bad Do You Want It? by Don Henley (#65); (Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection by Nelson (#70); Oh Girl by Paul Young (#79); and Don't You Come Cryin' by Linear (#82).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Step by Step--New Kids on the Block
2 I’ll Be Your Shelter--Taylor Dayne
3 Do You Remember?--Phil Collins
4 It Must Have Been Love--Roxette
5 I Think I Love You Too Much--The Jeff Healey Band
6 Children of the Night--Richard Marx
7 She Ain't Pretty--Northern Pikes
8 U Can't Touch This--MC Hammer
9 When I'm Back on My Feet Again--Michael Bolton
10 Cradle of Love--Billy Idol

Singles entering the chart were Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi (#65); Yesterday's Girl by the Smithereens (#76); Me and Elvis by Human Radio (#77); If Wishes Came True by Sweet Sensation (#84); Chain of Fools by Little Caesar (#87); Twice as Hard by the Black Crowes (#91); Woman in Love by Little Feat (#93); Talk to Me by Anita Baker (#95); The Rock's Steady by Burton Cummings (#97); and Pure by Lightning Seeds (#100).

Personal
This blogger paid his only visit to Sarnia, Ontario, and noticed that the public library downtown still had a card catalogue, a rarity by 1990.

20 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Vill du bli min fru--Drängarna (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Boom Boom Boom--The Outhere Brothers (4th week at #1)

World events
China's People's Liberation Army began firing missiles into the waters north of Taiwan in an apparent attempt to intimidate Taiwanese voters prior to the 1996 Taiwanese presidential election.

Disasters
U.S. President Bill Clinton announced that $100 million in federal aid would be distributed to 19 states that had suffered from a recent heat wave.

Football
CFL
British Columbia (3-1) 24 @ Calgary (4-0) 46

Doug Flutie completed 30 passes for 431 yards and 3 touchdowns--2 to Allen Pitts, 1 to Vince Danielsen--to lead the Stampeders over the Lions before 30,012 fans at McMahon Stadium. B.C. quarterback Danny McManus threw 2 touchdown passes to Mike Trevathan and another to Cory Philpot.

10 years ago
2005

Terrorism
Two weeks after 52 people had been killed in bomb blasts at underground train stations in London, minor blasts took place on two trains and a bus, but only one injury resulted.

Football
CFL
Edmonton (4-1) 29 @ Ottawa (2-3) 21

Ricky Ray completed touchdown passes to Ron McClendon, Jason Tucker, and Trevor Gaylor, while Tony Tompkins returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown as the Eskimos defeated the Renegades before 17,607 fans at Frank Clair Stadium. Ottawa quarterback Kerry Joseph threw touchdown passes to Josh Ranek and Pat Woodcock.