December 22, 2015

Born on this date
Happy Birthday, Elena!

920 years ago
1095

Born on this date
Ruggero II. King of Sicily, 1130-1154. Ruggero II, the son of Ruggero I, Count of Sicily, succeeded his older brother Simone as Count of Sicily in 1105, and was made King as a reward for supporting Antipope Anacletus II in his successful power struggle with Innocent II. King Ruggero had to deal with internal rebellions and invasion from imperial forces, but succeeded in becoming one of the strongest kings in Europe. He died on February 26, 1154 at the age of 58, and was succeeded by his son Guglielmo I.

225 years ago
1790

War
The Turkish fortress of Izmail was stormed and captured by General Aleksandr Suvorov and his Russian armies.

125 years ago
1890

Transportation
The Cornwallis Valley Railway began operation between Kentville and Kingsport, Nova Scotia.

100 years ago
1915

Born on this date
Barbara Billingsley. U.S. actress. Mrs. Billingsley, born Barbara Combes, was best known for playing June Cleaver in the television comedy series Leave it to Beaver (1957-1963). She died on October 16, 2010 at the age of 94.

Baseball
After two seasons as a major league, the Federal League ceased to exist, signing an agreement with the National and American Leagues that included reinstatement to Organized baseball of players who had jumped to the Federal League.

75 years ago
1940

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, on NBC
Tonight’s episode: The Boscombe Valley Mystery

The final half of this broadcast still exists, if the reader cares to search for it.

Died on this date
Nathanael West, 37. U.S. author. Mr. West’s novels--The Dream Life of Balso Snell (1931); Miss Lonelyhearts (1933); A Cool Million (1934); and The Day of the Locust (1939)--reflected a cynical view of America. Mr. West’s last novel was influenced by several years he spent in Hollywood as a screenwriter; his screenplays included those for the films Five Came Back (1939) and Stranger on the Third Floor (1940). Mr. West--born Nathan Weistein--and his wife Eileen McKenney were driving back to Los Angeles from a hunting trip in Mexico to attend the funeral of F. Scott Fitzgerald, who had died the day before, when Mr. West ran a stop sign in El Centro, California, and the two were killed in the resulting accident.

Eileen McKenney, 26. U.S. literary figure. Miss McKenney was the sister of Ruth McKenney and was the inspiration for Ruth’s novel My Sister Eileen (1938). Eileen was married to Nathanael West, and the two were killed in a car accident in El Centro, California days before they were to fly to New York to attend the Broadway opening of the play My Sister Eileen.

Movies
The U.S. National Board of Review announced its awards for 1940. The winners included: Film: The Grapes of Wrath; Foreign Film: La femme du boulanger (The Baker's Wife).

War
The U.S. No Foreign War Committee published full-page advertisements in 50 newspapers appealing for public support. The 3rd Infantry Division of the Greek Army entered the Himarë region of Albania after defeating Italian forces, while the Greek government reported that three Italian divisions, numbering approximately 45,000 men, were being hemmed in aropund Tepelini and Kisura.

Diplomacy
U.K. Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax was appointed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as British Ambassador to the United States. A British goodwill mission left Uruguay after a week of the most enthusiastic demonstrations the Uruguayan public had ever accorded a foreign mission, according to a report from Montevideo.

Politics and government
Anthony Eden was appointed by British Prime Minister Churchill to succeed Lord Halifax as Foreign Secretary, while David Margesson was named War Secretary.

Labour
U.S. Congress of Industrial Organizations President Philip Murray urged affiliates and members to lobby against a "sabotage bill" and a "model state home guard bill," saying that the first would give local authorities the right to suppress strikes, and the second would exempt state guard units "from any civil responsibility for their acts by making them subject to military law only."

70 years ago
1945

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): It's Been a Long, Long Time--Harry James and His Orchestra with Kitty Kallen (Best Seller--3rd week at #1; Airplay--2nd week at #1); I Can't Begin to Tell You--Bing Crosby with Carmen Cavallaro (Juke Box--1st week at #1); It's Been a Long, Long Time--Harry James and His Orchestra with Kitty Kallen; Bing Crosby with Les Paul and his Trio (Honor Roll of Hits--6th week at #1)

Died on this date
Arthur Korn, 75. German-born physicist. Dr. Korn pioneered the specifically the transmission of photographs or telephotography--known as the Bildetelegraph, related to early attempts at developing a practical mechanical television system, and a forerunner of the modern fax machine.

World events
The Panamanian government of provisional President Enrique Adolfo Jiménez arrested former President Arnulfo Arias on charges of instigating a revolt in Colon.

Diplomacy
The United Kingdom and United States recognized the new Yugoslavian Republic and the end of the 11-year reign of King Peter II.

Americana
U.S. Interior Secretary Harold Ickes proposed that Hawaii be granted statehood because of its excellent war record.

Labour
Ford Motor Company in the United States laid off 80,000 workers, while Packard Motors laid off 10,000 and Briggs Manufacturing Compnay laid off 2,000 because of parts shortages.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 335 new strikes in November, involving 405,000 workers and 6.1 million man-hours lost.

Weather
The U.S. War Department revealed the "static finder," a weather detector based on electronics which could detect a thunderstorm at a 2,000-mile range within two degrees of accuracy.

60 years ago
1955

At the movies
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, directed by Otto Preminger and starring Gary Cooper, Ralph Bellamy, and Rod Steiger, received its premiere screening in New York City; it was shown with the docu-drama short film 24 Hour Alert, directed by Robert M. Leeds, and starring Jack Webb, which was also receiving its premiere screening.



50 years ago
1965

At the movies
Doctor Zhivago, directed by David Lean, and starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, and Alec Guinness, opened in theatres.



Died on this date
Al Ritz, 64. U.S. comedian. Mr. Ritz, born Albert Joachim, was the oldest member of the Ritz Brothers comedy team, with brothers Jimmy and Harry. The team appeared in a string of movies from 1936-1943, and concentrated on nightclub appearances for more than 20 years afterward. Al Ritz died of a heart attack while the brothers were performing at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans.

Richard Dimbleby, 52. U.K. journalist. Mr. Dimbleby was the British Broadcasting Corporation's first war correspondent, and hosted the television news program Panorama from 1955-1965. He died after a five-year battle with testicular cancer.

Politics and government
General Christophe Soglo, army chief of staff and leader of the November 29 coup that had deposed President Sourou Migan Apithy and Vice President Justin Ahomadegbe, took office as President of Dahomey, replacing provisional President Tihiro Congacou.

Law
In the United Kingdom, a 70 miles-per-hour speed limit was applied to all rural roads, including motorways, for the first time. Previously, there had been no speed limit.

40 years ago
1975

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Mamma Mia--ABBA (8th week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Ano Hi ni Kaeritai--Yumi Arai

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Amor, amor--Lolita (3rd week at #1)

Politics and government
11 days after leading the Social Credit Party to victory in the British Columbia provincial election, Bill Bennett was sworn in as Premier of British Columbia, replacing David Barrett. Mr. Bennett was the son of W.A.C. Bennett, who had served as B.C.'s Premier from 1952-1972 before being unseated by Mr. Barrett and the New Democratic Party.

Baseball
The Chicago Cubs traded second baseman Vic Harris to the St. Louis Cardinals for shortstop Mick Kelleher. Mr. Harris batted .179 with no home runs and 5 runs batted in in 51 games with the Cubs and .242 with 1 homer and 11 RBIs in 32 games with the Wichita Aeros of the AAA American Association in 1975. Mr. Kelleher batted 0 for 4 in 7 games with the Cardinals and .238 with no homers and 27 RBIs in 127 games with the Tulsa Oilers of the AA.

30 years ago
1985

Football
NFL
Buffalo (2-14) 0 @ Miami (12-4) 28
Green Bay (8-8) 20 @ Tampa Bay (2-14( 17
Cincinnati (7-9) 23 @ New England (11-5) 34
Cleveland (8-8) 10 @ New York Jets (11-5) 37
Atlanta (4-12) 16 @ New Orleans (5-11) 10
Chicago (15-1) 37 @ Detroit (7-9) 17
San Diego (8-8) 24 @ Kansas City (6-10) 38
Philadelphia (7-9) 37 @ Minnesota (7-9) 35
Houston (5-11) 16 @ Indianapolis (5-11) 34
Dallas (10-6) 16 @ San Francisco (10-6) 31

San Francisco running back Roger Craig, an equally superb runner and pass catcher, became the first National Football League player to gain 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in a single season in the 49ers' victory over the Cowboys at Candlestick Park.

25 years ago
1990

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Australian Music Report): Unchained Melody--The Righteous Brothers (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Italy (FIMI): I've Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): I've Been Thinking About You--Londonbeat (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): Show Me Heaven--Maria McKee (4th week at #1)

#1 single in France (SNEP): Une femme avec une femme--Mecano (7th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (CIN): Ice Ice Baby--Vanilla Ice (4th week at #1)

Netherlands Top 10 (De Nederlandse Top 40)
1 Ice Ice Baby--Vanilla Ice
2 Sadeness Part I--Enigma
3 Pray--MC Hammer
4 Unchained Melody--The Righteous Brothers
5 I'll Be Your Baby Tonight--Robert Palmer and UB40
6 Unbelievable--EMF
7 It Takes Two--Rod Stewart & Tina Turner
8 Justify My Love--Madonna
9 It's a Shame (My Sister)--Monie Love featuring True Image
10 The Anniversary Waltz--Status Quo

Singles entering the chart were Maar Vanavond Heb Ik Hoofdpijn by Hanny (#28); To Love Somebody by Jimmy Somerville (#29); Christmas Without You by Kenny & Dolly (#30); Groovin' by UB40 (#32); Get Here by Oleta Adams (#34); The Greatest Gift of All by Grant & Forsyth (#35); Operaa House by Malcolm McLaren presents The World Famous Supreme Tram Show (#36); and Tick Tock by the Vaughan Brothers (#39). Kenny & Dolly were Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

U.S.A. Top 10 (Billboard)
1 Because I Love You (The Postman Song)--Stevie B (3rd week at #1)
2 Justify My Love--Madonna
3 From a Distance--Bette Midler
4 Impulsive--Wilson Phillips
5 Tom's Diner--DNA featuring Suzanne Vega
6 High Enough--Damn Yankees
7 I'm Your Baby Tonight--Whitney Houston
8 Freedom--George Michael
9 The Way You Do the Things You Do--UB40
10 Sensitivity--Ralph Tresvant

Singles entering the chart were All the Man that I Need by Whitney Houston (#53); It Never Rains (In Southern California) by Tony! Toni! Tone! (#66); This is Ponderous by 2nu (#86); This House by Tracie Spencer (#89); One More Try by Timmy -T- (#92); and Spend My Life by Slaughter (#96).

U.S.A. top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Because I Love You (The Postman Song)--Stevie B (2nd week at #1)
2 Justify My Love--Madonna
3 From a Distance--Bette Midler
4 Impulsive--Wilson Phillips
5 Tom’s Diner--D.N.A. featuring Suzanne Vega
6 I’m Your Baby Tonight--Whitney Houston
7 Freedom--George Michael
8 High Enough--Damn Yankees
9 Love Will Never Do (Without You)--Janet Jackson
10 Sensitivity--Ralph Tresvant

Singles entering the chart were All the Man that I Need by Whitney Houston (#50); Here Comes the Hammer by M.C. Hammer (#68); Close to Me by the Cure (#71); Use it Up and Wear it Out by Pat & Mick (#74); Signs by Tesla (#76); Deeper Shade of Soul by Urban Dance Squad (#83); The Only One I Know by Charlatans UK (#85); Melt in Your Mouth by Candyman (#87); This House by Tracie Spencer (#90); and Power of Love by Deee-Lite (#95).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 Impulsive--Wilson Phillips
2 I’m Your Baby Tonight--Whitney Houston
3 Something to Believe In--Poison
4 More than Words Can Say--Alias
5 One and Only Man--Steve Winwood
6 Miracle--Jon Bon Jovi
7 Freedom--George Michael
8 So Close--Daryl Hall John Oates
9 From a Distance--Bette Midler
10 You Gotta Love Someone--Elton John

Singles entering the chart were I'm Not in Love by Will to Power (#60); House Full of Reasons by Jude Cole (#65); Shelter Me by Cinderella (#71); I Don't Love You Anymore by London Quireboys (#72); Do the Bartman by the Simpsons (#75); A Fishing Day by Roch Voisine (#83); Consequences by the Robert Cray Band (#84); The First Time by Surface (#87); and Just a Little Bit Longer by Maxi Priest (#90).

At the movies
Awakenings, starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, opened in theatres in limited release.



Oceanatica
The Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia achieved formal independence when the United Nations ended their status as trusteeships administered by the United States.

Politics and government
Lech Walesa, who had recently resigned as leader of the Solidarity trade union movement, was sworn in as President of Poland.

Diplomacy
U.S.S.R. President Mikhail Gorbachev warned that "necessary measures" would be taken in Moldavia unless that republic met demands he had made.

20 years ago
1995

Hit parade
#1 single in Sweden (Topplistan): Gangsta's Paradise--Coolio feauring L.V. (9th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): Father and Son--Boyzone (4th week at #1)

At the movies
Nixon, directed, co-produced, and co-written by Oliver Stone and starring Anthony Hopkins and Joan Allen, opened in theatres.



Died on this date
James Meade, 88. U.K. economist. Professor Meade shared the 1977 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with Bertil Ohlin of Sweden for their "pathbreaking contribution to the theory of international trade and international capital movements."

Butterfly McQueen, 84. U.S. actress. Thelma McQueen was best known for her supporting role as a maid in the movie Gone with the Wind (1939). She also played a maid in the radio (1945-1954) and television series (1950-1952) Beulah. Miss McQueen was a professing atheist, but she isn't now.

Politics and government
Bloc Québecois founder Lucien Bouchard announced that he was a candidate for the leadership of the Parti Québecois. The leadership was open because of the recent resignation of Premier Jacques Parizeau.

10 years ago
2005

Space
Astronomers announced the discovery of two more rings encircling Uranus.