October 18, 2015

475 years ago
1540

War
Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto's forces destroy the fortified town of Mabila in present-day Alabama, killing Chief Tuskaloosa.

330 years ago
1685

Abominations
King Louis XIV of France revoked the Edict of Nantes, which had established the legal toleration the Protestant Huguenots.

325 years ago
1690

War
English forces under William Phips started bombarding Quebec with 37 ships and 2,200 men, after Count Frontenac refused to surrender; the shelling had little effect.

240 years ago
1775

War
Richard Montgomery and the Army of the Continental Congress captured Fort Chambly en route to Quebec.

150 years ago
1865

Died on this date
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, 80. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, 1855-1858; 1859-1865. Lord Palmerston, a Tory who became a Liberal, held several posts, including Secretary at War (1809-1828) and Foreign Secretary (1830-1834, 1835-1841, 1846-1851), before becoming Prime Minister. He was known for advancing English interests abroad. Lord Palmerston died two days before his 81st birthday, six days after taking ill with a chill and fever.

125 years ago
1890

Baseball
World Series
Brooklyn Bridegrooms 5 @ Louisville Colonels 3 (Brooklyn led best-six-of-ten series 2-0)

Winning pitcher Tom Lovett outduelled Ed Daily before 2,860 fans at Eclipse Park.

100 years ago
1915

Born on this date
Victor Sen Yung. U.S. actor. Mr. Yung was best known for playing "Number Two Son" in the Charlie Chan movies from the late 1930s through the late 1940s, and as Hop Sing, the cook in the television Western series Bonanza (1959-1973). He died on November 1, 1980, two weeks after his 65th birthday, apparently of accidental gas poisoning from an oven in which he was curing some pottery; his body wasn't discovered until November 10.

War
The 41st Battalion of Infantry of Quebec embarked for service in France.

80 years ago
1935

At the movies
The Last Days of Pompeii, starring Preston Foster, Alan Hale, and Basil Rathbone, opened in theatres.

70 years ago
1945

Married on this date
The day after being released from prison, Argentine military officer and politician Juan Perón married actress Eva "Evita" Duarte.

World events
A group of the Venezuelan Armed Forces, led by Mario Vargas, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, and Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, staged a coup d'état against President Isaías Medina Angarita, who was overthrown by the end of the day.

Abominations
The U.S.S.R.'s nuclear program received plans for the United States plutonium bomb from Klaus Fuchs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

60 years ago
1955

Boxing
Gordon Wallace (30-13-1) knocked out former world middleweight champion Randy Turpin (54-6-1) in the 4th round of a heavyweight bout before 10,000 fans at Harringay Arena in London. On the undercard, Yolande Pompey (30-2-3) scored a technical knockout of Yvon Durelle (57-15-1) in the 7th round of another light heavyweight bout.

50 years ago
1965

Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): El Mundo (Il Mondo)--Jimmy Fontana (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Tears--Ken Dodd (2nd week at #1)

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Baby Don't Go--Sonny and Cher (2nd week at #1)
2 I'm Yours--Elvis Presley
3 Do You Believe in Magic?--Lovin' Spoonful
4 A Lover's Concerto--The Toys
5 Some Enchanted Evening--Jay & the Americans
6 Just a Little Bit Better--Herman's Hermits
7 Are You a Boy or are You a Girl--The Barbarians
8 I Knew You When--Billy Joe Royal
9 I'll Make All Your Dreams Come True--Ronnie Dove
10 Kansas City Star--Roger Miller

Singles entering the chart were Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues by Gordon Lightfoot (#34); It was I by the Big Town Boys (#35); But You're Mine by Sonny & Cher (#37); Leaning on the Lamp Post by the Bradfords (#38); C'est un Secret by Michel Louvain (#39); and Look Through Any Window by the Hollies (#40).

Died on this date
Henry Travers, 91. U.K.-born U.S. actor. Mr. Travers, born Travers John Heagerty, moved permanently to the United States in 1917, and had a successful career on Broadway before going to Hollywood, where he became known for his supporting roles in such movies as Mrs. Miniver (1942); Shadow of a Doubt (1943), and most memorably, as Clarence the angel in It's a Wonderful Life (1946).

Lauri Törni, aka Larry Thorne, 56. Finnish-born military officer. Captain Törni led a Finnish infantry company in the Winter (1939-1941) and Continuation (1941-1944) Wars against the U.S.S.R. He joined a German unit to fight against the Soviets in the waning months of World War II in 1945; after being arrested by the Allies and imprisoned in Germany, he eventually escaped and made his way back to Finland, where he was imprisoned again, but wa finally pardoned in 1948. Capt. Törni made his way to the United States, and joined the United States Army in 1954, taking the name Larry Thorne. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1963, and was killed in a helicopter crash while supervising a clandestine mission. The remains of Captain Thorne, who was promoted to Major following his disappearance, weren't discovered until 1999, and not formally identified until 2003.

Music
The Beatles were at EMI Studios in London, where they began recording the song In My Life.

Politics and government
Abe Okpik was appointed as the first Inuit representative on the Territorial Council of the Northwest Territories.

Protest
Several days of antiwar demonstrations concluded in 40 American cities. Meanwhile, Jaycees in Detroit supported United States policy in Vietnam.

40 years ago
1975

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (Hit Parade Italia): Sabato pomeriggio--Claudio Baglioni (9th week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (Veronica Top 40): Guus--Alexander Curly (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K.: Hold Me Close--David Essex (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Bad Blood--Neil Sedaka (2nd week at #1)

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Mr. Jaws--Dickie Goodman
2 Bad Blood--Neil Sedaka
3 They Just Can't Stop It (The Games People Play)--The Spinners
4 Lyin' Eyes--The Eagles
5 Dance with Me--Orleans
6 Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady--Helen Reddy
7 I'm Sorry--John Denver
8 Miracles--Jefferson Starship
9 Ballroom Blitz--Sweet
10 Brazil--The Ritchie Family

Singles entering the chart were My Little Town by Simon and Garfunkel (#69); That's the Way (I Like It) by K.C. and the Sunshine Band (#71); Our Day Will Come by Frankie Valli (#72); Secret Love by Freddy Fender (#74); Skybird by Tony Orlando and Dawn (#76); Let's Do it Again by the Staple Singers (#77); Is it Love that We're Missin' by Quincy Jones (featuring the Brothers Johnson) (#81); Happy by Eddie Kendricks (#84); Sailing by Rod Stewart (#86); (How I Spent My Summer Vacation) Or a Day at the Beach with Pedro and the Man (Part 1) by Cheech & Chong (#87); More and More by Carly Simon (#92); I'm on Fire by 5000 Volts (#93); I Go to Pieces by Cotton, Lloyd and Christian (#96); You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate (#98); Since I Met You Baby by Freddy Fender (#99); and The Music Never Stopped by the Grateful Dead (#100).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 I'm Sorry--John Denver
2 Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady--Helen Reddy
3 Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)--Johnny Wakelin and the Kinshasa Band
4 Fame--David Bowie
5 Ballroom Blitz--Sweet
6 Third Rate Romance--Amazing Rhythm Aces
7 Wasted Days and Wasted Nights--Freddy Fender
8 Dance with Me--Orleans
9 Get Down Tonight--K.C. and the Sunshine Band
10 Rocky--Austin Roberts

Singles entering the chart were Island Girl by Elton John (#57); Hold Me, Touch Me by Octavian (#84); Yesterday's Music by Blood, Sweat & Tears (#86); Summer of '42 by Biddu Orchestra (#94); Allo SOS by Sam (#95); Love Me Now by Gino Vannelli (#96); Calypso by John Denver (#98); Fancy Lady by Billy Preston (#99); and Hey Radio by Carl Greaves (#100). Calypso was the B-side of I'm Sorry. Because of the nationwide strike by Canada Post, RPM didn't publish another issue until December 13, 1975.

Winnipeg's Top 30 (CFRW)
1 I'm Sorry--John Denver
2 Bad Blood--Neil Sedaka
3 Third Rate Romance--Amazing Rhythm Aces
4 What the Hell I Got--Pagliaro
5 Dance with Me--Orleans
6 Rocky--Austin Roberts
7 Wasted Days and Wasted Nights--Freddy Fender
8 Ballroom Blitz--Sweet
9 Rhinestone Cowboy--Glen Campbell
10 Who Loves You--The Four Seasons
11 New Orleans--Stampeders
12 Island Girl--Elton John
13 Feelings--Morris Albert
14 Wild Little Story--Moonquake
15 Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady--Helen Reddy
16 How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved by You)--James Taylor
17 Jive Talkin'--The Bee Gees
18 Midnight Blue--Melissa Manchester
19 Hold Me, Touch Me--Octavian
20 I Only Have Eyes for You--Art Garfunkel
21 Daisy Jane--America
22 Lady Blue--Leon Russell
23 Brazil--The Ritchie Family
24 Lyin' Eyes--The Eagles
25 Holly--Terry Jacks
26 Tonite is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love--April Wine
27 The Homecoming--Hagood Hardy
28 Baby Wontcha Please Come Home--Trooper
29 Fallin' in Love--Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds
30 Quick Change Artist--Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Died on this date
Al Lettieri, 47. U.S. actor. Mr. Lettieri, the brother-in-law of a mobster, appeared in such movies as The Godfather (1972) and The Getaway (1972). He died of a heart attack.

Football
CFL
Hamilton (4-9-1) 25 @ Calgary (5-9) 23

Ian Sunter's 27 yard field goal with 1:26 remaining in the game and a 40-yard punt single by Ken Clark with 20 seconds left gave the Tiger-Cats their win over the Stampeders before 27,188 fans at McMahon Stadium. Former Calgary quarterback Jerry Keeling connected with former Stampeder receiver Terry Evanshen for 2 touchdowns and a 2-point convert. Mr. Evanshen's first TD and 2-point convert came with 1:14 left in the 1st half, and his second TD, covering 81 yards, came with 7:10 remaining. Mr. Evanshen, who caught 9 passes for 199 yards, taunted the crowd after his second touchddown, but a 2-point convert left the Stampeders ahead 23-21. Speedy Thomas scored the other Hamilton touchdown on a 14-yard pass from Mr. Keeling in the 3rd quarter. Calgary receiver Tom Forzani scored the game's first touchdown on a 37-yard pass from Karl Douglas in the 2nd quarter. Willie Burden rushed for a pair of 6-yard touchdowns in each of the 3rd and 4th quarters. The game is remembered for the block thrown by Rick Galbos, Mr. Burden's backfield mate, on Mr. Burden's second touchdown, exactly 4 minutes into the 4th quarter. Mr. Galbos delivered a terrific block on rookie Hamilton linebacker Tom Pate, causing Mr. Pate to hit his head on the artificial turf, which was newly-installed at McMahon Stadium that year. The medical and training staff began to lift him to his feet, but he slipped back into unconsciousness, and was taken by ambulance to Foothills Hospital. Mr. Pate, 23, lapsed into a coma and died three days later, becoming the Canadian Football League's first--and so far, only--modern on-field fatality.

CIAU
Manitoba (0-6) 12 @ Alberta (3-3) 35

Dalton Smarsh rushed 18 times for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Golden Bears beat the Bisons at Varsity Stadium in Edmonton. Alberta led 7-5 until Mr. Smarsh ran 8 yards for his second TD with 6 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Golden Bears put the game away in the 4th quarter on a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by Dennis Blond, a 105-yard fumble return by Garry Wydnowski for another TD, and an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brian Larsen to Joe Poplawski, who added 4 converts and a single. Wayne Ledyard scored the only Manitoba touchdown in the 4th quarter on a 15-yard pass from backup quarterback Bill Petrie, who completed 9 of 19 passes for 167 yards in relief of starter Rick Koswin. Dave Pearson converted Mr. Ledyard's touchdown and added 2 field goals and 2 singles. Mr. Larsen completed 12 of 17 passes for 164 yards; his favourite receiver, Brian Fryer, caught 6 passes for 131 yards. Pat Barry had 72 yards rushing for Alberta, and Dave Jackson added 33.

WFL
Charlotte (6-5) 10 @ Philadelphia (4-7) 18

Baseball
World Series
Cincinnati Reds @ Boston Red Sox (postponed, rain) (Cincinnati led best-of-seven series 3-2)

30 years ago
1985

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Cheri, Cheri Lady--Modern Talking (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Rock Me Amadeus--Falco

Diplomacy
U.S. Vice President George Bush completed a six-day visit to China, during which he met with the country’s leaders and sought to assure them of continued U.S. support for their economic reforms. He told the Chinese that the United States and other industrial nations would step up their exports of high-technology products to China. Premier Zhao Ziyang told Mr. Bush that continued close U.S. ties with Taiwan were "not satisfactory," and also criticized a textile bill before the U.S. Congress that could adversely affect Chinese exports to the United States.

Economics and finance
The United States Commerce Department reported that personal income had risen 0.3%, or $10 billion, in September.

Football
CFL
Edmonton (10-4) 37 @ Winnipeg (11-4) 18

Rookie quarterback Damon Allen, in just his second start in the CFL, rushed 15 times for 73 yards and 3 touchdowns and the Eskimos made 5 interceptions off Winnipeg quarterback John Hufnagel as the Eskimos won their seventh straight game. The loss at Winnipeg Stadium ended a home winning streak for the Blue Bombers of 16 games extending back to September 1983--1 game short of the CFL record, held by the Eskimos. Edmonton defensive back Gary Thompson returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown, while middle linebacker Danny Bass made 3 interceptions, all of them in the 4th quarter. Mr. Allen became the first Eskimo quarterback to rush for 3 touchdowns in a game since Corey Colehour in 1969. Tom Dixon converted all 4 Eskimo touchdowns and added field goals of 42, 45, and 32 yards. Pat Cantner scored the first Winnipeg touchdown early in the 2nd quarter on a 17-yard return of a blocked punt. Mr. Hufnagel completed a 6-yard pass to Jeff Boyd with 2 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter for the Blue Bombers’ only offensive touchdown. Trevor Kennerd converted both and added a field goal and a single. Milson Jones of the Eskimos led all rushers with 86 yards on 15 carries, and teammate Larry Cowan carried 11 times for 47 yards. CFL rushing leader Willard Reaves led the Blue Bombers with 64 yards on 11 carries and added 104 on 3 pass receptions, the longest of which covered 74 yards. Brian Kelly led the Edmonton receivers with 73 yards on 2 receptions. 29,743 fans at Winnipeg Stadium saw the Blue Bombers lose their first home game in more than 2 years, ending their home winning streak at 16 games, one short of the record held by the Eskimos.

25 years ago
1990

Hit parade
#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): I Useta Lover--The Saw Doctors (5th week at #1)

Science
Richard Taylor of Canada and Jerome Friedman and Henry Kendall of the United States were awarded the 1990 Nobel Prize on Physics "for their pioneering investigations concerning deep inelastic scattering of electrons on protons and bound neutrons, which have been of essential importance for the development of the quark model in particle physics."

Business
Varity Corporation announced that it was moving from Toronto to Buffalo. In spite of a previous $200-million bailout, the farm equipment manufacturer--the remnants of Massey-Ferguson Corporation--could no longer compete.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that consumer prices had risen 0.8% in September for the second straight month. Oil price increases, affected by the Persian Gulf crisis, accounted for more than half of the increase.

20 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Denmark (Nielsen Music Control & IFPI): Tør du la' vær'?--Timm & Gordon (2nd week at #1)

At the movies
This blogger, in the company of a lovely lady, attended a preview screening of Get Shorty, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, and starring John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, and Danny DeVito. The movie went into general release on October 20.



10 years ago
2005

Died on this date
Bill King, 78. U.S. sportscaster. Mr. King was the play by-play voice of the San Francisco Giants when they moved to that city from New York in 1958, and was the voice of the Oakland Athletics from 1981-2005. He was also the voice of the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders from 1966-1992, and the San Francisco and Golden State Warriors from 1962-1983. He died 12 days after his 78th birthday.

Music
The album What I Really Want for Christmas by Brian Wilson was released on Arista Records. Football
CIS
Simon Fraser (0-5-1) 21 @ British Columbia (4-3) 31

Blake Smelser completed 20 of 31 passes for 305 yards and 2 touchdowns to help the Thunderbirds defeat the Clan before 500 fans at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver for their fourth straight win, clinching a playoff spot.